Bistorta officinalis Raf.
Common Bistort
Common Bistort is a native perennial of damp grassland, best known from the hay meadows, riverbanks and roadside verges of northern England. It spreads by thick, twice-bent rhizomes (the name bistort means twice-twisted) to form broad patches of bold, oval to triangular leaves with winged stalks.
About
Common Bistort is a native perennial of damp grassland, best known from the hay meadows, riverbanks and roadside verges of northern England. It spreads by thick, twice-bent rhizomes (the name bistort means twice-twisted) to form broad patches of bold, oval to triangular leaves with winged stalks. From early summer into autumn it sends up unbranched stems, generally 20 to 80cm tall, each topped by a dense, neat cylindrical spike of soft pink flowers that stands well above the foliage.
It favours moist to wet, fertile soils in full sun or light shade and is well suited to meadows, pond margins, bog gardens and damp borders. The flower spikes are a valuable midsummer source of nectar and pollen, drawing in bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies. The young spring leaves have a long history of use in the northern English Easter dish known as dock pudding or Easter-ledge pudding, which gives the plant another of its country names.
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.