little bitterroot, Lewisia rediviva var. minor
little bitterroot, Lewisia rediviva var. minor, Nevada, White Mountains, Queen Valley - Owens Valley watershed, elevation 2580 m (8465 ft).
This species is iconic to the mountains and steppes of western North America, and was first named and described from specimens collect during the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1806. It is the state flower of Montana, and the vernacular "bitterroot" ended up in the names of several places and features in the region. The Latin name "rediviva" refers to the plant's ability to revive after the thick roots appear to be dry and dead. The roots before flowering time were gathered as an important food source by indigenous peoples.
The variant here called little bitterroot is found in the southwestern part of the species' range, mainly in Nevada and California. It is characterized by fewer and smaller flower parts, and leaf blades cylindric or strongly rolled. The leaves wither and detach early, and have already done so on these plants.
Also visible on the ground is leaf litter of singleleaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla).
little bitterroot, Lewisia rediviva var. minor
little bitterroot, Lewisia rediviva var. minor, Nevada, White Mountains, Queen Valley - Owens Valley watershed, elevation 2580 m (8465 ft).
This species is iconic to the mountains and steppes of western North America, and was first named and described from specimens collect during the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1806. It is the state flower of Montana, and the vernacular "bitterroot" ended up in the names of several places and features in the region. The Latin name "rediviva" refers to the plant's ability to revive after the thick roots appear to be dry and dead. The roots before flowering time were gathered as an important food source by indigenous peoples.
The variant here called little bitterroot is found in the southwestern part of the species' range, mainly in Nevada and California. It is characterized by fewer and smaller flower parts, and leaf blades cylindric or strongly rolled. The leaves wither and detach early, and have already done so on these plants.
Also visible on the ground is leaf litter of singleleaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla).