Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva
Bitterroot
Photo: parent species Lewisia rediviva · (c) velodrome, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva (Bitterroot) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by ungrooved leaves and long pedicels distinguish from var. minor.
Bitterroot is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, San Francisco Bay Area, southern Coast Ranges, and eastern Sierra Nevada in rocky, sandy ground and open conifer woodland at elevations of 60 to 1,900 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces white to pink flowers with 18 to 35 millimeter-long petals in delicate clusters. Growing with low, compact stems emerging from a thick taproot, it forms dense ground-hugging mats. Its leaves are distinctive linear blades that emerge directly from the ground, creating a compact rosette. When in full bloom, the plant creates a stunning carpet of pale flowers rising just above its slender green foliage.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; ungrooved leaves and long pedicels distinguish from var. minor
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky, sandy ground, open conifer woodland, scrub
Elevation: 60-1900 m
California counties: Kern, Butte, Modoc, Mariposa, Monterey, Napa, Sierra, Siskiyou, Colusa, Alpine, Ventura, Mono, Santa Clara
Outside California: to British Columbia, Rocky Mountains
Bloom period
Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva blooms Mar-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. rediviva native to California?
Yes. Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva bloom?
Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva grow?
Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva occurs in Kern, Butte, Modoc, Mariposa, Monterey, Napa, Sierra, Siskiyou and other counties, at elevations of 60-1900 m.
What plant family does Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva belong to?
Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
What habitat does Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva grow in?
Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva grows in Rocky, sandy ground, 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.