Bitterroot

Bitterroot is a small, long-lived perennial succulent native to dry, rocky slopes, and open forests of western North America. It is valued for its striking, low-growing blooms that range from pale pink to deep rose, appearing in late spring to early summer. The plant loses it’s leaves and goes dormant during the hot part of the summer, often during or just after flowering. Indigenous peoples traditionally used the roots as a starchy food source, though they are very bitter—hence the name. For western Oregon gardeners, this plant may grow best in a clay pot where it can dry out during the summer, or in shallow, rocky, or sandy soils where it is not irrigated. Do not water after establishment! Ecologically, bitterroot supports native pollinators and adds seasonal bursts of color to otherwise sparse landscapes.