Contents
Description
Lewisia Triphylla, commonly known as Bitterroot, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Portulacaceae family. It is native to North America, particularly in the Rocky Mountains, and can be found in dry, rocky areas and alpine meadows. The plant blooms from May to July and produces pink or white flowers that resemble small roses. The roots of Lewisia Triphylla are edible and have been used by Native Americans for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Portulacaceae |
| Genus | Lewisia |
Appearance
Lewisia Triphylla has a compact rosette of fleshy, oblong leaves that are about 2-4 inches long. The leaves are green to bluish-green in color and have smooth edges. The plant produces a single stem that rises above the foliage and bears a cluster of 1-3 flowers. The flowers are about 1-2 inches wide and have five petals that are pink or white in color. The petals are spoon-shaped and overlap each other, creating a cup-like shape. The flowers have a sweet scent and attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Water: Lewisia Triphylla prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet conditions. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Lewisia Triphylla prefers sandy, gravelly soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7).
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Hardiness Zones: Lewisia Triphylla is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lewisia Triphylla is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-drained and do not overwater the plant. The plant may also be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Lewisia Triphylla is native to North America and can be found in dry, rocky areas and alpine meadows. It is particularly common in the Rocky Mountains, where it grows at elevations of 4,000 to 8,000 feet. The plant is well-adapted to the harsh growing conditions of its natural habitat, with its fleshy leaves and deep taproot allowing it to survive in arid environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lewisia Triphylla be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lewisia Triphylla can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s deep taproot.
Q: Does Lewisia Triphylla attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Lewisia Triphylla attracts bees and butterflies with its sweet-scented flowers.
Q: Can the roots of Lewisia Triphylla be eaten?
A: Yes, the roots of Lewisia Triphylla are edible and have been used by Native Americans for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Q: Is Lewisia Triphylla deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Lewisia Triphylla is deer-resistant.
Related Plants
- Lewisia cotyledon
- Lewisia rediviva
- Lewisia columbiana
- Lewisia tweedyi
References
- “Lewisia triphylla”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
- “Lewisia triphylla”. Plant Finder. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
- “Lewisia triphylla”. North Carolina State University. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
