Bitterroot

Lewisia rediviva

root

A peeled white root, cooked as a porridge or with berries.

Origin

Rocky Mountains (Montana, Idaho)

Where to find it

On dry, gravelly slopes; the Salish and Nez Perce still dig up its roots in spring, at first-root feasts.

Season (United States)

April to May · grows in your region

Preparation

Peeled: the root's bark is very bitter.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

It is the state flower of Montana, and gave its name to a valley and a river.