Lewisia cotyledon aka Siskiyou Lewisia

Taxonomy

Lewisia cotyledon, also known as Siskiyou lewisia and cliff maids, is a compact, evergreen perennial that grows in rocky subalpine mountain habitats in southern Oregon and northern California. This flowering plant has strap-shaped, fleshy leaves arranged in basal rosettes. In spring, clusters of pink flowers bloom on erect stems that can reach up to 30cm tall. The plant has a thick taproot and caudex unit, and its leaves are oval- or spoon-shaped, giving them a small cup-like appearance. The flowers, which appear from spring to summer, have 7 to 13 petals and come in various colors, including pale pink with darker veining, whitish with pinkish orange striping, or solid orange to yellow. Alongside the flowers are small, pointed bracts with resin glands. Lewisia cotyledon is a beautiful and resilient perennial that adds a touch of color to its rocky mountain habitat.

Common names

Siskiyou Lewisia, Cliff Maids

How to care for Siskiyou Lewisia

Difficulty

Siskiyou Lewisia requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Siskiyou Lewisia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Siskiyou Lewisia requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Siskiyou Lewisia will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Siskiyou Lewisia to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia