Kingdom Plantae Family Montiaceae Scientific name Cistanthe tweedyi Rank Species | Order Caryophyllales Genus Lewisiopsis Higher classification Cistanthe | |
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Similar Cistanthe, Portulacaceae, Montiaceae, Cistanthe monosperma, Lewisia columbiana | ||
Lewisiopsis tweedyi is a flowering plant and sole species in genus Lewisiopsis. The species, formerly known as Cistanthe tweedyi and Lewisia tweedyi, is now classified in the Montiaceae family. The plant is known by the common names Tweedy's pussypaws, Tweedy's lewisia, or Tweedy's bitterroot. It is endemic to western North America in north-central Washington and adjacent British Columbia. It commonly grows on well-drained slopes often on rocky slopes or in rock crevices from low elevation ponderosa pine sites up to the drier part of the Grand Fir zone of the North Cascades. The flowers usually have a coral, apricot, or pink color.
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Distribution
Lewisiopsis is endemic to the Wenatchee Mountains and Methow Valley of Washington State, and in Manning Park of British Columbia. Populations may be found near Mount Stuart, Tumwater Greek, Chumstick Creek, as well as at the top of high ridges. It is one of the regions showiest herbaceous plants. It has a limited geographic range but is quite common within that area.
Habitat and ecology
Lewisiopsis is perennial. It is typically found at elevation of 1,500 to 4,500 feet (460 to 1,370 m). It hides from the sun at low elevations and can be found in the shade. As the elevations increase, the plant reveals itself to the sun. It can live up to temperatures of 100 °F (38 °C) in the summer time. In its native environment, Lewisiopsis can handle temperature below 30 °F (−1 °C) degrees, although the flowers may die.
Cultivation
The nursery trade has taken some interest in cultivating Lewisiopsis because it is perennial, has showy blooms and it is drought tolerant. In wet climates, if the root crown of the plant gets wet, it will die causing the death of the entire plant. If cultured, perfect drainage is required for survival. The use of broken or crushed rock mixed with humus will keep the plant alive. Placing a small rock under the crowns can prevent the crown from getting wet. The plant will not die of thirst because the leathery leaves and roots will store enough water.
Morphology
The root of Lewisiopsis is reddish, fleshy, and extremely thick. The root can grow to be two to three feet long although some are much shorter.
There are numerous, evergreen, smooth, succulent and light green leaves. The margins on the leaves are up to 1 foot (30 cm) long including the stems. The blades of the leaves are sometimes shallowly notched at the apex and are up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide and are ovate. The petioles are 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) wide and are as long as the blades. The petioles appear flattened and the edges are turned upward forming a shallow groove at the base. The underside of the stem is ridged at the base. A mature plant is typically 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.
Flowers and fruit
The inflorescence is an open, terminal raceme with small bracts. Each flower has two sepals and eight to twelve broad petals, a cup-shaped blossom, up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) across. Petals are cream becoming apricot or pink near the tips. As they age, they close and cling together being replaced by the lower petals. The 12 to 25 stamens are about half as long as the petals. The single style terminates in a three to eight-parted stigma. The fruit is a small egg-shaped one-celled capsule that contains up to 12 to 20 seeds.
Lewisiopsis flowers in May, June, and July, depending on elevation.