The bitterroot (Latin: Lewisia cotyledon) is not poisonous. But it also has no healing effect, as the name might suggest. This can be attributed to the yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea), which is also often popularly called bitterroot.
Is bitterroot poisonous or healing?
The bitterroot (Lewisia cotyledon) is a non-poisonous, decorative ornamental plant with no medicinal properties. It should not be confused with the yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea), which is also called bitterroot due to the similarity in name and has medicinal properties.
Lewisia, on the other hand, is also known as porcelain rose and is a very decorative ornamental plant. There are winter-hardy and frost-sensitive varieties in different colors. The porcelain rose loves a sunny location and is quite easy to care for, but does not tolerate waterlogging. With the help of daughter rosettes, propagation is relatively easy and uncomplicated. Frost-sensitive varieties are best overwintered in a winter garden or greenhouse.
The most important things in brief:
- non-toxic
- no healing effect
- do not confuse with the yellow gentian (similar name)
- easy propagation through daughter rosettes
- sunny location
- Avoid waterlogging
Tip
The bitterroot is not poisonous, but neither is it a medicinal herb, as the name might suggest.