Lewisia brachycalyx

Engelm. ex A.Gray.

Shortsepal lewisia

Portulacaceae Edible: Root 414 iNaturalist observations

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Description

Lewisia brachycalyx is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from September to July, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Root - cooked. Steeped and boiled. Said to be extremely nutritious. It is easiest to use when the plant is in flower because the outer layer of the root (which is very bitter) slips off easily at this time of the year. The root has a good taste though a decided bitter flavour develops afterwards.

Distribution

Southwestern N. America - California, Utah, Arizona and Baja California.

Where It Grows

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Arizona, California, Utah (Washington Co.)), Mexico (Baja California (Norte))

Cultivation

Requires a very well-drained gritty humus-rich deep soil in a sunny position. Prefers a neutral to acid soil. This species is not reliably hardy in Britain. It can withstand consistently very cold weather but does not like alternating periods of mild and cold conditions, nor does it like winter wet. The plant is very susceptible to rotting at the neck in a damp soil. Plants die down after flowering and start growing again in the autumn. Very apt to hybridize with other members of this genus.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in a very freely draining soil. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in a cold frame. One months cold stratification should improve germination, though this is still likely to be very slow. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in March/April. Very difficult.