Lewisia rediviva var. minor
Small bitterroot, small bitteroot
Photo: parent species Lewisia rediviva · (c) velodrome, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lewisia rediviva var. minor (Small bitterroot) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by grooved leaves and short pedicels distinguish from var. rediviva.
Small bitterroot is a California native perennial found in the southern Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, San Jacinto Mountains, White and Inyo Mountains, and Desert Mountains in rocky open conifer woodland and scrub at elevations of 1,900 to 2,800 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces delicate white to pale pink flowers about 15 millimeters long with numerous stamens. Growing with low, compact stems, it forms small rosettes close to the ground. Its leaves are distinctively linear and club-shaped, with narrow blades grooved on the upper surface, creating a unique textural appearance. The plant produces small flowers atop short pedicels, creating a delicate display against rocky mountain landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; grooved leaves and short pedicels distinguish from var. rediviva
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky open conifer woodland, scrub
Elevation: 1900-2800 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Ventura, Kern, Inyo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Mono, Santa Barbara, Tulare, Butte, Monterey, Calaveras, Alpine
Outside California: Nevada, Utah
Bloom period
Lewisia rediviva var. minor blooms May-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Claytonia: Lewisia forms tight rosettes on rocks while Claytonia has thin leaves on upright stems in moist soil.; vs Montia: Lewisia grows from rocky crevices with succulent rosette leaves; Montia has thin stems with multiple leaves.; vs Stephanomeria: Lewisia has 5-petaled pink flowers and succulent leaves; Stephanomeria has dandelion-like ray flowers and milky sap.; vs Draba: Lewisia has pink/white 5-petaled flowers; Draba has yellow/white 4-petaled flowers in tight clusters.; vs Clarkia: Lewisia has succulent basal leaves and grows on rocks; Clarkia has upright stems with papery 4-petaled flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lewisia rediviva var. minor native to California?
Yes. Lewisia rediviva var. minor is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia rediviva var. minor bloom?
Lewisia rediviva var. minor blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Lewisia rediviva var. minor grow?
Lewisia rediviva var. minor occurs in San Bernardino, Ventura, Kern, Inyo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Mono, Santa Barbara and other counties, at elevations of 1900-2800 m.
What plant family does Lewisia rediviva var. minor belong to?
Lewisia rediviva var. minor is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
What habitat does Lewisia rediviva var. minor grow in?
Lewisia rediviva var. minor grows in Rocky open conifer woodland, scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.