Lewisia brachycalyx aka Shortsepal Lewisia

Lewisia brachycalyx is a small perennial in the Montiaceae family. Common names include shortsepal lewisia and short-sepal bitter-root. Its native range runs from southwestern Utah to northern Baja California. It also grows in Arizona and California. It lives in mountain meadows, including wet sites with sandy soil. These habitats lie at heights of 4,265–7,875 feet [1,300–2,400 metres].

The plant forms a low tuft of narrow, fleshy leaves. The dark green leaves grow in a rosette. It reaches about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] in height. Garden size can reach 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] tall and wide. Single flowers sit just above the leaves. Each white or pale pink bloom spans 0.10–0.16 feet [0.03–0.05 metres]. The plant loses its leaves and rests during summer. Its small size suits rock gardens, gravel beds, and containers. It also fits borders beside walls.

Grow it in full sun with soil that drains well. Sandy or loamy soil suits it. Use a humus-rich mix with a modest supply of nutrients. The soil should be acid or neutral. A gravel layer helps keep the leaves dry. Protect plants from wet weather in winter. Keep rain off them during their summer rest as well. A pot in an alpine house can provide this shelter. The RHS rates its hardiness H5. This covers winter lows of about 5–14°F [-15 to -10°C]. PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. Plants take two to five years to reach full size.

Wet conditions can cause rot at the plant's neck. Aphids may attack plants grown under glass. Slugs and snails may damage plants grown outdoors. Remove spent flowers once blooming ends. To raise new plants, sow seed in pots in autumn. Keep the pots in a cold frame. Care must account for the plant's summer rest, not just its cold tolerance.

PFAF records the root as edible after cooking. Preparation includes steeping and boiling it. The bitter outer layer comes off more easily during flowering. The cooked root can leave a bitter aftertaste. PFAF gives it an edible-use score of two out of five. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. The same source records no known medicinal or other uses. It does not flag the species as a weed.