What is the importance of bitterroot?
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3 min read
The Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) is so important to western Montana that it is the official state flower and gave the Bitterroot Valley its name. The significance of bitterroot extends far beyond its delicate pink flowers, as it holds profound cultural, historical, and ecological importance, especially for Indigenous peoples of the region. This resilient plant has served as a vital food source, a powerful medicinal remedy, and a symbol of heritage for generations.