Truckee lewisia

Lewisia longipetala (Piper) S.Clay

Lewisia longipetala is a rare flowering plant in the Montiaceae family, endemic to the Sierra Nevada in California. It is found in less than 20 locations near Lake Tahoe, growing in subalpine and alpine environments with rocky, moist habitats. The plant prefers north-facing slopes with minimal vegetation and relies heavily on snowpack for moisture, becoming water-stressed in areas with less snow.

Description

Lewisia longipetala, known as Truckee lewisia, is a rare species native to the Sierra Nevada in California. It is restricted to subalpine and alpine regions, particularly in rocky areas that retain snow year-round, such as talus slopes. The plant is typically found on north-facing slopes with sparse vegetation. It is most vigorous in areas with high snowpack and is easily affected by water stress when snow is scarce. The species was described in 1937 and is known from fewer than 20 locations in the region.