Bitter root, the state flower of Montana, is a small perennial plant. It grows from Montana to Arizona and west to the Pacific Coast. The plant has a long root that is good to eat, though it tastes bitter. Indians often used the root for food. Bitter root is sometimes called tobacco root because while being cooked it gives off a tobaccolike odor. The bitter root plant has juicy leaves, a fleshy stalk, and a single rose-colored or white flower.
The Bitterroot Mountain Range, between Montana and Idaho, was named for this plant. Also named for bitter root are a forest, a river, and a beautiful valley. All are in Montana and Idaho.
