About Lewisia columbiana (Howell ex A.Gray) B.L.Rob.
Lewisia columbiana (Howell ex A.Gray) B.L.Rob. is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows from a short, thick taproot and connected caudex structure. It forms a basal rosette made up of many thick, fleshy leaves. Each leaf tapers toward the end, has a blunt or pointed tip, smooth edges, and reaches 2 to 10 centimeters (0.8 to 3.9 inches) in length. Its inflorescence grows from several stems that reach up to around 30 centimeters (12 inches) tall, and each stem can hold up to 100 individual flowers. Small, pointed bracts sit just below each flower, and these bracts are tipped with shiny, spherical resin glands. Each flower has 4 to 11 petals; each petal is up to about one centimeter long, oval-shaped, and has a notched tip. Petals range in color from white to pale pink, and most have distinct sharp dark pink veining. This species grows on exposed rocks, or in gravel and rocky soil, typically in full sun. While it can grow on many different types of rock, it is known to be tolerant of serpentine rock.
