Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Lewisia cotyledon (Siskiyou Lewisia, Cliff Maids)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass Caryophyllidae

Order Caryophyllales

Family Portulacaceae – Purslane family

Genus Lewisia Pursh – lewisia

Species Lewisia cotyledon (S. Watson) B.L. Rob. – Siskiyou lewisia

This species is striking in bloom and indeed its bloom cycle is long – from May to July.

The clusters of striped flowers, ranging from magentas and reds to oranges and yellows, rise above the rosette of leaves.

After blooming, tiny fruits form. These are edible but not tasty and are better left for future seed, as this species self-sows abundantly.

Considered an endangered species, this Lewisia is found scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest, from BC to California and east through the Rocky Mountains, in USDA zones 3-8.

It cannot withstand excessive watering and will rot if not given excellent drainage.

In intense summer heat it will often die back but will rejuvenate in the fall.