Bistorta
( biss - tort - ah )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering perennial herbaceous plants grow from rhizome roots, and are native to much of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants in the genus produce erect, unbranched stems with few leaves topped with spikes of white to purple-pink (rarely red) flowers. Species are commonly known as Bistorts, and do well with full sun to partial shade and regular waterings. They are low maintenance, making them perfect additions to native and wildflower gardens, cottage or informal landscapes, or in mixed beds or borders.
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Bistorta Species and Varietals
The genus Bistorta is a member of the Buckwheat plant family, Polygonaceae and includes around 40 distinct species. The best growing zones for Bistorta vary depending on the species, but generally they grow well in USDA zones 4-9. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Bistorta affinis (Polygonum affine, Persicaria affinis) (Himalayan Bistort, Fleece Flower, Knotweed) This species is native to the Himalayan Mountain Range in Tibet, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Kashmir. It is a creeping, mat-forming plant with basal foliage. Individual plants reach 10 inches tall by 24 inches wide, and grow slowly to form clumps. Flowers are pale pink to rosy-red, and bloom from the middle of summer through fall. Commonly used as a groundcover. Choice cultivars include 'Darjeeling Red', 'Donald Lowndes', and 'Superba'. |
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Bistorta amplexicaulis (Persecaria amplexicaulis) (Red Bistort, Mountain Fleece) Native to China, Pakistan, and various zones in the Himalayan Mountains, these plants typically grow in damp soils. Plants reach up to 4 feet tall at maturity when in bloom, and produce elongated heart-shaped green leaves. Flowers are rose-red or white, and bloom in summertime. Cultivar 'Firetail' is a popular choice for gardens. Other cultivars include 'Blackfield', 'Alba', 'Rosea', 'Fat Domino', and 'Orange Field'. |
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Bistorta bistortoides (American Bistort, Western Bistort, Smokeweed, Mountain Meadow Knotweed, Mountain Buckwheat, Mountain Meadow Buckwheat) Plants in this species generally reach between 4 and 20 inches tall, and hail from western North America, from British Colombia down through California and the Rocky Mountains. Leaves are mostly basal and are leathery and green. Flowers are white to pinkish, forming in spikes. This species was an important food plant for indigenous peoples of the Mountain West. Roots are edible, and have a flavor resembling that of Chestnuts. |
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Bistorta manshuriensis (Asian Bistort) This species of Bistort is native to mountain valleys and lowland areas in Korea and Japan. It can grow well in sun or partial shade, and reaches up to a foot tall and 31 inches wide at maturity. Flowers are white to cream-colored, and bloom in summertime in the plant's native range. |
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Bistorta officinalis (Persicaria bistorta) (Common Bistort, European Bistort, Meadow Bistort, Snakeroot, Snakeweed, Easter-Ledges) Native to Europe and Asia, this species reaches up to 8-31 inches tall and 35 inches wide when mature and in bloom. Foliage is mostly basal, with a few smaller leaves on the bottom of flowering stems. Leaves are green. From late spring to fall, these plants produce erect flowering stems topped with spikes of rose-pink flowers. The roots of these plants are edible, as are the leaves and young shoots, which are steamed or boiled. Plants have the tendency to escape garden cultivation and naturalize in wild landscapes. Cultivar 'Superba' is a choice garden ornamental variety. |
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Bistorta plumosa (Meadow Bistort) These plants are native to alpine and tundra ecosystems in Alaska, Yukon, the Northwest Territory, and East Asia. It forms a perennial plant with basal foliage and red flowering stems that reach up to 16 inches tall. Flowers are typically light pink. |
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Bistorta vacciniifolia (Whortleberry-Leaved Knotwood) Native to Tibet and the Himalayas, this species grows well in clayey soils. It is a popular ornamental cultivated in gardens around the world. Flowers are pink, and flowering stems are deep red in color. Leaves are small and green. Individual plants reach up to 12 inches tall, and are commonly grown in mass as a groundcover. |
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Caring for Bistorta
Bistort
American bistort was an important food plant used by Native Americans living in the Mountain West, including Blackfoot and Cheyenne peoples.[2] The roots are edible either raw or fire-roasted[6] with a flavor resembling chestnuts. The seeds can be dried and ground into flour and used to make bread. They were also roasted and eaten as a cracked grain.[7][8] The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.[2]
American bistort was an important food plant used by Native Americans living in the Mountain West, including Blackfoot and Cheyenne peoples.[2] The roots are edible either raw or fire-roasted[6] with a flavor resembling chestnuts. The seeds can be dried and ground into flour and used to make bread. They were also roasted and eaten as a cracked grain.[7][8] The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.[2]
Propagation
Bistorta seed pods are left behind where flowers once bloomed.
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Bistorta seeds.
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Problems and Pests
Bistorta plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Leafhopper Disease
- Caterpillars
- Thrips
- Japanese Beetles
- Aphids
- Slugs and Snails
- Powdery Mildew
- Rust
- Root Rot
Gallery
Bistort adds interest to low-growing beds like the one pictured above.
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These plants come in many different flower colors.
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Individual flowers are small, but are packed onto upright spikes.
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Bees love Bistort flowers, which are commonly grown in pollinator beds.
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Bistort provides playfulness to this border.
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Leaves of Bistorts are typically held in basal tufts.
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This flower bed is interplanted with Iris and Bistort.
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This textured mixed bed features Bistort, purple Iris, Geranium, Santa Barbara Daisy, Salvia, and Mugo Pine.
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Dark violet Aquilegia vulgaris 'Black Barlow' contrasts nicely against the pink blooms of Bistort.
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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How to prune Bistort flowers.
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Resources
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