Mountain bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)

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

Lewisia rediviva is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from September to July, in flower in June. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste though a decided bitter flavour develops afterwards. — The root was a staple food of some native North American Indian tribes.; It is said to be extremely nutritious, 50 - 80 grams being sufficient to sustain an active person for a day.; The root is, however, rather small and tedious to collect in quantity.; It is easiest to use when the plant is in flower in the spring, because the outer layer of the root (which is very bitter) slips off easily at this time of the year.

Habitat & North American Range

Gravelly to heavy, usually dry soils. Rocky dry soils of valleys, or on foothills, stony slopes, ridges and mountain summits to about 2,500 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)