Bitter root (Lewisia rediviva) is an erect, branching, rhizomatous, perennial herb, which secretes a milky sap when broken. It produces white or greenish white flowers arranged in 2-inch wide, loose, terminal, branched clusters at the ends of the stems or at the ends of the branches.
Toxic components
L. rediviva strongly resembles milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and they are often mistaken for one another. Like milkweed, it is also highly toxic as it contains cardiac glycosides throughout the entire plant.
- diarrhea
- weakness
- dilated pupils
- cold extremities
- loss of appetite
- pale mouth