The Bitterroot flower (shown in bloom here) is Montana’s state flower. It was adopted as the state flower in 1895. Meriweather Lewis was fed this plant by the Salish people during his travels and he did in fact describe it as bitter. The scientific name of the plant was named after him: Lewisia rediviva.

The Bitterroot plant is culturally important to many tribes in Montana including Flathead, Salish, Kotenai, and Shoshoni among others. The root is the part of the plant that is eaten and it was harvested in the spring. The roots were often dried and stored specifically for use in the winter months when food could be scarce and both starches and carbohydrates were needed in the diet. It is also thought to improve memory and clarity by English and Native understandings. The roots were often cooked with other items such as berries and meats to help with the bitter taste. The dried roots were also used as a means of trade. The taste became more bitter as summer approached, which is how “bitter” became part of its English name. The Salish name for the plant is Spetlum.

Below are photos of a Salish woman from the Flathead Indian Reservation harvesting Bitterroot. The harvesting of the Bitterroot flower continues to be a part of their culture. There is a also a photo of a camp that appears to show them picking Bitterroot. Camp was often set up during digging time for the Bitterroot which is spring time. Lastly we see a change in the mode of transportation, but not in the traditions of gathering Bitterroot: Flathead women in the 1950s use their special tools to dig Bitterroot which often grows at the base of mountains. 

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Sophie Moiese, wife of Chief Moiese

Sophie Moiese, wife of Chief Moiese. Gathering Bitter roots on the flat west of Missoula, Montana.

Digging Bitterroot Sophie Moiese digging bitterroot

Moiese was a Salish who lived in Arlee on the Flathead Reservation.

Flathead camp in western Montana 

A Flathead camp in western Montana. Horse in foreground. Tipis and hills in background. Photo identification indicates people of camp are picking Bitterroot. Circa 1920's

Native American family encampment near Mount Sentinel 

A Native American family camps at Bitter Root digging time, near the foot of Mount Sentinel where the University of Montana now stands, Missoula, Montana. A summer school student visits with the family. 1917-06-01.

Flathead Indian women dig Bitterroots 

White on-lookers watch as two Flathead Indian women dig bitterroot with their traditional digging tools. Photo was probably taken on the Flathead Reservation in the early 1950's. The photograph shows two Native American women digging roots at the side of a dirt road with snow-capped mountains in the background. A man and two women stand next to a car on the dirt road watching them. Circa 1950's.

Exhibit Author: Kimberly Duke

Bibliography

Office of Public Instruction. "Bitterroot Adaptations and Salish Traditions." Accessed May 2024. https://opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/Indian%20Education/Science/Bitterroot_Adaptations%20-%20G4.pdf

Photo Credits

University of Montana Mansfield Library