The
photo at right shows a close-up of the calyx and petals of Nevada lewisia as seen
at Memaloose, near Hat Point, Wallowa-Whitman N.F........July 8, 1999.
Note that the calyx tip is pointed with largely entire margins.
Nevada lewisia is a diminutive perennial wildflower with one to several flowering stems from 1-8 cm long arising from several to many linear to oblanceolate leaves up to 15 cm long and 1-6 mm wide. Two opposite bracts are found at midstem. The stems and leaves typically lack any hairs.
The flowers are single atop the flower stems with 2 lightly veined, ovate-shaped sepals measuring from 5-10 mm long with mostly acute tips. The margins of the sepals are usually entire. The 5-9 (usually 7) petals measure 6-17 mm long and are white, greenish-white, lavender or pink. Four to twelve stamens are found within the flower while the style is divided into 3-6 branches.
Nevada lewisia may be found on moist to dry, gravelly to coarsely sandy soils above treeline in the mountains.
Nevada lewisia may be found from the northern Cascade Mts. and Olympic Mts. of Washington sout to southern California. Its range extends eastward to eastern Oregon and Washington.
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