No. 7 - Lewisia rediviva - Postcard Set of 10

Lewisia rediviva, also known as bitterroot, is a succulent native to the western United States. It is one of about 22 genera in the family Montiaceae and is the state flower of Montana. 

In 1806, Meriwether Lewis collected this species in Bitterroot Valley, Montana, near Lolo Creek. Bitterroot Valley is located on Séliš (Salish) and Qlispé (Kalispel) land and has held immense significance to their cultures for thousands of years.

After bringing the Lewisia back to Philadelphia, botanist Frederick Purch named the genus after Lewis. The specific epithet “rediviva” was given to the species for its ability to “revive” after being dug, dried, and stored for long periods.  

Bitterroot is culturally important to several First Nations tribes including, but not limited to, Séliš (Salish), Ktunaxa (Kutenai), Nimíipuu (Nez Perce), Numa (Northern Paiute), and Newe (Shoshone). The bitter tap-roots were often boiled, steamed, or pit-roasted and mixed with meat or berries.