American bistort, Western bistort
Polygonum bistortoides

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 20-60 cm high. It has red stems and glossy dark green leaves. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are at swollen joints. The leaf blade is 8-16 cm long. It has a tall flowering stem and a flower spike that is short and 2 cm thick. The flowers are white and small. They are densely crowded in a cluster at the end of the stem. The flowers are fertile. The fruit is 3 angled. It does not have bulbils. Possibly now Bistorta bistortoides (Pursh) Small - but unresolved.

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist alpine tundra in the Rocky Mountains.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves are used as a potherb. The starchy roots are eaten raw, boiled or baked. They are added to soups and stews.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bistort, Dragonworth, Easter giant, Easter ledges, Red legs, Snake look, Snake weed, Sweet dock

Synonyms

Bistorta bistortoides;