Bitterroot

Lewisia rediviva

Illustration: Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) flowers and fleshy root

Identification: Low rosette of fleshy narrow leaves; stunning pink-white flowers on leafless stalks in spring; thick fleshy taproot. Montana's state flower.

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike with the same fleshy rosette + showy flowers + taproot. Harvest only where legal and abundant — it is protected in some areas.

Edible parts: Fleshy taproot.

Season and habitat: Spring (in flower, for ID). Gravelly slopes, foothills.

Preparation: Peel the bitter outer skin, boil or steam the starchy core — the bitterness cooks out. Traditionally dried for winter. Sacred food of the Salish and others — harvest with respect and restraint.