Dwarf Bitterroot or Pigmy Bitterroot (Lewisia pygmaea)

Family: Portulacaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Lewisia pygmaea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from September to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste though a decided bitter flavour develops afterwards. — Steeped and boiled.; It can also be dried for later use.; The root is said to be extremely nutritious, though some native North American Indian tribes believed that eating it could cause insanity.; It is easiest to use when the plant is in flower because the outer layer of the root (which is very bitter) slips off easily at this time of the year.

Habitat & North American Range

Open, often gravelly, moist to dryish areas in mountains to above the tree line. Open places in short turf or gravelly or rocky substrates at elevations of 2300 - 4200 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)