Alpine Lewisia
Lewisia pygmaea
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © michaelrudy (iNaturalist #35828684)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Montiaceae
- Genus:
- Lewisia
- Species:
- Lewisia pygmaea
- USDA Symbol:
- LEPY2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 10 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, white, magenta
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- gritty, well-drained, rocky soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to alpine and subalpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; sow in fall or after cold treatment.
Pre-treatment: 60 to 90 day cold, moist stratification. Seeds are placed in moist paper towels inserted into an opened zip-lock bag and placed in the refrigerator at 1 to 3 C. Germination occurs in early spring at temperatures slightly above freezing to 10C.
Establishment: L. pygmaea occurs in moist to dry places in the mountains to above tree line; Cascade and Olympic mountains of Washington, south to California, east to Montana, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.