Plant Details

Polygonum bistorta, Persicaria bistorta

Bistort, Meadow bistort, Snakeweed

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Polygonum bistorta, Persicaria bistorta.

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General Information

Scientific name: Polygonum bistorta, Persicaria bistorta
Also known as: Bistort, Meadow bistort, Snakeweed

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous
Size: Small
Height: 0.50 m
Width: 0.50 m
Growth Rate: None
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-7
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Wet
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Root, Seed
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
None

Description

Leaves: Raw or cooked. Young leaves have a mild flavor, while older leaves are bitter. The raw leaves are tough in texture and can effectively replace spinach. In Northern England, the leaves are used in a bitter Easter pudding. They are usually available from late winter to early autumn and are a good source of vitamins A and C. Seeds: Raw or cooked. The seeds are very small and difficult to handle. Root: Raw or cooked. Roots are rich in starch and tannins. Soaking and roasting them can reduce the tannin content. They have a pleasant flavor and are nutritious, making them ideal for cooking or adding to soups and stews. Roots can also be dried and ground into a powder that can be used in bread making.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/05
End of Harvest: 30/09