How to grow Bitterroot

Leaves should turn yellow and die after flowering, usually around May. Stop all watering and keep in a very sunny spot. The plant needs hot and dry summers before fall rains.

Plants usually don’t bloom till their third spring. Weed often to prevent taller neighbors from shading the plants.

Plant in mix of 1/2 sand and 1/2 soil. Can plant in late winter or early spring, but considered best to plant in fall. Plant very shallow, can put fine gravel over top to keep seeds in place. Keep seeds in full sun and only water occasionally. Seeds will germinate in late winter or early spring.

Transplant when they are dormant during the summer. Do not give them water when moving them.

These estimates for how long Bitterroot takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Used by Native Americans the flower was introduced to Meriwether Lewis in 1805 and he named it Lewisia (after himself) and rediviva translating to something like “That which lives again” – after it’s ability to remain alive for over a year without water, it can also be dug up, dried out and then replanted and will grow again.

It’s common name – Bitter Root – comes from it’s taste when not cooked. It was commonly eaten by several Native American communities in Western Montana, Idaho, and Eastern Washington, but was usually boiled, or otherwise cooked and mixed with meat or fruit.

Native Americans would boil the root, smash it into a powder, mix it with animal fat (usually deer), and form it into patties to be carried on hunting expeditions as a very lightweight and filling meal.

Resurrection flower

Lewisia rediviva Pursh

Misspellings: Bitter Root