American bistort (Polygonum bistortoides)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −28.9 °C

Cultivation

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil. Plants are growing well at Kew in a moist position by water in the rock garden[K]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. This species is closely related to P. viviparum.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Edible uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant acid flavour, they are used as a potherb. Root - raw or cooked. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Medicinal uses

The root is astringent. A poultice has been used in treating sores and boils.

Habitat

Moist or wet meadows and swamps, seldom below 2500 metres.

Native range

Western N. America - Canada to California.

Scientific synonyms Bistorta bistortoides