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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Lewisia cotyledon (Siskiyou lewisia)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

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.

 

From the Image Gallery

3 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 1 foot tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Purple
Bloom 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 , OR
Native Distribution: N. CA & s. OR
Native Habitat: Rocky embankments

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil 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 in
Commercially 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 Plants
FNA: Find Lewisia cotyledon in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lewisia cotyledon

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-15
Research By: TWC Staff

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