Bitterroot

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comments (6)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Sturdy plant, growing on rock :) Posted 9 years ago
1. morpheme
  
  Lion
  
  Indeed they are. They can grow on serpentine rock outcrops where few other plants can survive. It's not just that it's rocky - it tends to be hot and dry and the soil that is there is full of heavy metals because the rock has been pushed up from some of the deepest portions of the earths crust. It's marvelous country for finding rare plants. This particular type of Lewisia is pretty widespread in the western states, but there are others that can only be found in small isolated areas. It's interesting that many, if not most of the things that do grow in that environment tend to have rather showy flowers. Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks for the extra info, in particular that unique soil. And indeed, the showy flowers make for an interesting contrast. Perhaps an evolutionary tactic to attract pollinators in unusual soil? Posted 9 years ago
  2. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Just wanting to check your opinion, do you think this identification is correct:
    
    Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago
  3. 1. morpheme
      
      Lion
      
      Yes - I do think it's the same plant. The color is pretty variable, from nearly white to many shades of pink. That is a rather large patch. I guess the conditions were very favorable. Posted 9 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Thanks! Posted 9 years ago