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Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta (Bistorta)
Species of bistorta are perennial herbaceous plants. Their roots are fibrous forming rhizomes. They have erect unbranched stems. Their leaves are usually longer than wide mostly basal but with some arranged alternately on the stems. The inflorescences are spikelike. The individual flowers have five white to purple-pink (rarely red) tepals. The flowers are bisexual although the 5–8 stamens are sometimes poorly developed. There are three styles. The fruits are in the form of achenes that are brown or dark brown unwinged and three-angled. As of winter 2019 about 42 species are accepted. Bistorta species are native throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere as far south as Mexico in North America and Thailand in Asia.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
info

Key Facts About Bistorta

Attributes of Bistorta

Leaf type
Semi-evergreen

Scientific Classification of Bistorta

distribution

Distribution of Bistorta

Distribution Map of Bistorta

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
species

Exploring the Bistorta Plants

8 most common species:
Bistorta officinalis
Common bistort
Common bistort (Bistorta officinalis) is an herbaceous perennial that is native to Europe and parts of northern and western Asia. Each plant produces a long flower spike that is a cluster of pale-pink flowers. The roots of this plant are often thick and twisted, earning it another common name of snakeroot.
Bistorta amplexicaulis
Red bistort
Red bistort (Bistorta amplexicaulis) is also known as mountain fleece. It grows in and around the Himalaya mountains. As a general rule red bistort needs plenty of moisture and grows best when out of direct sunlight. The flowers bloom from summer to fall and often attract butterflies and birds.
Bistorta vivipara subsp. vivipara
Alpine bistort
Alpine bistort (Bistorta vivipara subsp. vivipara) is interesting because its roots grow in mutually beneficial relationships with certain species of fungi. This plant was grown as a crop by the Samoyed people of Siberia. Reindeer and rock ptarmigans are very fond of the starch-rich bulbils of this plant.
Bistorta officinalis subsp. officinalis
Bistort
The bistort is also known as snakeroot and snakeweed, because of its thick, twisted roots. The genus was first identified in 1743 by the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus. In some regions of England, bistort is associated with the Easter holiday.
Bistorta vivipara
Serpent grass
Serpent grass is not only very pretty but also an important food source for wild animals, including the snow goose, rock ptarmigans, and reindeer. The perennial herb grows at high elevations and can be found in the Alps, Pyrenees, and Caucasus. One of its not-so-pretty traits is its odor, which gives it the nickname "miner's toes."
Bistorta vacciniifolia
Bistorta vacciniifolia
Bistorta vacciniifolia features a low, mat-forming habit typical of its alpine origins, with small, leathery leaves resembling those of a vaccinium, such as blueberries. Its pink to reddish-purple inflorescence appears in summer, coiling distinctly like a snake's head, which facilitates pollination in high-altitude environments. Adaptable within rocky crevices, bistorta vacciniifolia thrives in well-drained, acidic soils, utilizing minimal space to capture limited sunlight.
Bistorta manshuriensis
Bistorta manshuriensis
Bistorta manshuriensis (Hangul: 범꼬리), Asian bistort, is an unresolved name for a proposed flowering plant species in the buckwheat family Polygonaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant found in mountain valleys and lowlands in Korea and Japan. It grows well in sunny or slightly shaded places. It grows up to 30 centimetres (12 in) - 80 centimetres (31 in).
Bistorta bistortoides
Dirty socks
Bistorta bistortoides is distributed throughout the Mountain West in North America. The leaves are leathery and up to 40 cm long, and are mostly basal on the stem. The dense cylindrical to oblong inflorescence is packed with small white to pinkish flowers, each a few millimeters wide.

All Species of Bistorta

Common bistort
Bistorta officinalis
Common bistort
Common bistort (Bistorta officinalis) is an herbaceous perennial that is native to Europe and parts of northern and western Asia. Each plant produces a long flower spike that is a cluster of pale-pink flowers. The roots of this plant are often thick and twisted, earning it another common name of snakeroot.
Red bistort
Bistorta amplexicaulis
Red bistort
Red bistort (Bistorta amplexicaulis) is also known as mountain fleece. It grows in and around the Himalaya mountains. As a general rule red bistort needs plenty of moisture and grows best when out of direct sunlight. The flowers bloom from summer to fall and often attract butterflies and birds.
Alpine bistort
Bistorta vivipara subsp. vivipara
Alpine bistort
Alpine bistort (Bistorta vivipara subsp. vivipara) is interesting because its roots grow in mutually beneficial relationships with certain species of fungi. This plant was grown as a crop by the Samoyed people of Siberia. Reindeer and rock ptarmigans are very fond of the starch-rich bulbils of this plant.
Bistort
Bistorta officinalis subsp. officinalis
Bistort
The bistort is also known as snakeroot and snakeweed, because of its thick, twisted roots. The genus was first identified in 1743 by the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus. In some regions of England, bistort is associated with the Easter holiday.
Serpent grass
Bistorta vivipara
Serpent grass
Serpent grass is not only very pretty but also an important food source for wild animals, including the snow goose, rock ptarmigans, and reindeer. The perennial herb grows at high elevations and can be found in the Alps, Pyrenees, and Caucasus. One of its not-so-pretty traits is its odor, which gives it the nickname "miner's toes."
Bistorta vacciniifolia
Bistorta vacciniifolia
Bistorta vacciniifolia
Bistorta vacciniifolia features a low, mat-forming habit typical of its alpine origins, with small, leathery leaves resembling those of a vaccinium, such as blueberries. Its pink to reddish-purple inflorescence appears in summer, coiling distinctly like a snake's head, which facilitates pollination in high-altitude environments. Adaptable within rocky crevices, bistorta vacciniifolia thrives in well-drained, acidic soils, utilizing minimal space to capture limited sunlight.
Bistorta manshuriensis
Bistorta manshuriensis
Bistorta manshuriensis
Bistorta manshuriensis (Hangul: 범꼬리), Asian bistort, is an unresolved name for a proposed flowering plant species in the buckwheat family Polygonaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant found in mountain valleys and lowlands in Korea and Japan. It grows well in sunny or slightly shaded places. It grows up to 30 centimetres (12 in) - 80 centimetres (31 in).
Dirty socks
Bistorta bistortoides
Dirty socks
Bistorta bistortoides is distributed throughout the Mountain West in North America. The leaves are leathery and up to 40 cm long, and are mostly basal on the stem. The dense cylindrical to oblong inflorescence is packed with small white to pinkish flowers, each a few millimeters wide.
Himalayan bistort
Bistorta affinis
Himalayan bistort
The himalayan bistort provides effective ground cover and helps prevent erosion. This evergreen perennial produces pale pink flowers during the summer that transition to deep red over time. Since its native range is very high-elevation, this is a good choice for gardens in mountainous areas. Plus, himalayan bistort can spread organically without completely overtaking the landscape.
Bistorta suffulta
Bistorta suffulta
Bistorta suffulta
Bistorta suffulta is a hardy perennial with a penchant for wet, marshy grounds. It displays a clustered array of small pink to white flowers atop slender, upright stems. The foliage includes lance-shaped leaves that are tightly rolled in on the edges, which may help conserve moisture. This plant is well-suited to cooler climates and tends to form dense colonies that thrive in its preferred damp conditions.
Meadow bistort
Bistorta plumosa
Meadow bistort
Meadow bistort boasts a feathery array of delicate pink to purple inflorescences that gracefully nod in the breeze. Its lance-shaped foliage, lush and green, often emerges in a tight clump, suggesting its preference for community rather than solitude. Thriving in moist, but well-drained soils, these perennials favor cooler climates where they flaunt their plumelike blooms throughout the summer, providing a soft contrast to the more rigid forms found in the wild landscape.
popular genus

More Popular Genus

Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
All Species
More Genus
Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta
Bistorta
Species of bistorta are perennial herbaceous plants. Their roots are fibrous forming rhizomes. They have erect unbranched stems. Their leaves are usually longer than wide mostly basal but with some arranged alternately on the stems. The inflorescences are spikelike. The individual flowers have five white to purple-pink (rarely red) tepals. The flowers are bisexual although the 5–8 stamens are sometimes poorly developed. There are three styles. The fruits are in the form of achenes that are brown or dark brown unwinged and three-angled. As of winter 2019 about 42 species are accepted. Bistorta species are native throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere as far south as Mexico in North America and Thailand in Asia.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Perennial
info

Key Facts About Bistorta

Attributes of Bistorta

Leaf type
Semi-evergreen

Scientific Classification of Bistorta

distribution

Distribution of Bistorta

Distribution Map of Bistorta

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
species

Exploring the Bistorta Plants

8 most common species:
Bistorta officinalis
Common bistort
Common bistort (Bistorta officinalis) is an herbaceous perennial that is native to Europe and parts of northern and western Asia. Each plant produces a long flower spike that is a cluster of pale-pink flowers. The roots of this plant are often thick and twisted, earning it another common name of snakeroot.
Bistorta amplexicaulis
Red bistort
Red bistort (Bistorta amplexicaulis) is also known as mountain fleece. It grows in and around the Himalaya mountains. As a general rule red bistort needs plenty of moisture and grows best when out of direct sunlight. The flowers bloom from summer to fall and often attract butterflies and birds.
Bistorta vivipara subsp. vivipara
Alpine bistort
Alpine bistort (Bistorta vivipara subsp. vivipara) is interesting because its roots grow in mutually beneficial relationships with certain species of fungi. This plant was grown as a crop by the Samoyed people of Siberia. Reindeer and rock ptarmigans are very fond of the starch-rich bulbils of this plant.
Bistorta officinalis subsp. officinalis
Bistort
The bistort is also known as snakeroot and snakeweed, because of its thick, twisted roots. The genus was first identified in 1743 by the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus. In some regions of England, bistort is associated with the Easter holiday.
Show More Species

All Species of Bistorta

popular genus

More Popular Genus

Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
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Continue reading in our app - it's better
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unlimited guides at your fingertips...
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