Native Plants
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Lewisia cotyledon
Lewisia cotyledon (S. Watson) B.L. Rob.
Siskiyou Lewisia, Siskiyou Bitter-root, Broadleaf Lewisia
Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: LECO5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Neat rosettes of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves are formed close to the ground. From these rise leafless flowering stalks to 1 ft., each with large, showy, white or pink-striped flowers in short panicles.
This plant forms beautiful bouquets on precipitous cliffs, to which it clings by a massive root tightly wedged in a tiny cleft. Because of its precise adaptation to its rugged habitat, it finds the gentle environment of the garden inhospitable; though it may persist for a number of years, it ultimately perishes.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 1 foot tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Usually pinkish purple with pale and darker stripes. Sometimes white to cream with pinkish orange stripes.
Distribution
USA: CA , ORNative Distribution: N. CA & s. OR
Native Habitat: Rocky embankments
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Description: Perfectly drained, rocky soils
Conditions Comments: One of the easiest native lewisias for culture. Must have perfect drainage as the taproot is easily rotted. Must have a dry dormancy after seeding. Best for rock gardens.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed. Sow outdoors in late fall (maximum temperature must be less than 50 degrees); or enclose in plastic bag with moist peat or vermiculite and refrigerate for 3-4 months. Remove and pot germinating seeds bi-weekly. Germination starts inCommercially Avail: yes
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Lewisia cotyledon in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lewisia cotyledon in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lewisia cotyledon
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-15Research By: TWC Staff