Bitter-root
Lewisia rediviva
Last reviewed: September 2026
Bitter-root (Lewisia rediviva) is a perennial succulent native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Bitter-root (Lewisia rediviva) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–4" H × 4"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A fleshy-rooted, low-growing succulent perennial with a rosette of narrow leaves that dies back completely once the large showy pink-to-white flowers finish in early summer. The plant goes dormant and disappears from view for the rest of the growing season.
Growing Bitter-root
Grow Bitter-root in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 2 to 4 inches tall and spread 4 to 6 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The large open flowers are an important nectar and pollen source for native bees during their brief spring bloom.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bitter-root need?
- Bitter-root grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bitter-root bloom?
- Bitter-root blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Bitter-root native?
- Bitter-root (Lewisia rediviva) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Bitter-root attract?
- Bitter-root draws bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Bitter-root? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.