Lewisia is a genus of western North America species in the Portulacaceae family. They usually have a rosette of leaves and may be produced from a thickened taproot or tuber. Some species pass the long arid season by becoming dormant. Two good books on this subject are Davidson, 2000 and Mathew, 1989. More information on them is found in References.
Lewisia pygmaea is one of the smaller members of this genus and has tufted leaves instead of a rosette. It has a short compact, carrotlike or branched rootstock. It is widespread from Alaska to California and east to Montana and New Mexico where it is found in open places in the mountains. It prefers seasonally moist sites. Leaves appear in spring and flowering can continue until frost. Flower color ranges from white to pink to purple. Mathew suggests these plants should be kept just moist throughout the year and not be overpotted. Photos by Mary Sue Ittner
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