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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Common names

6 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Bistort
  • Meadow bistort
  • Snakeweed
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Addertong
  • Adderwortel
French
  • Renouée bistorte
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Polygonum bistorta, Persicaria bistorta
Accepted name (Kew): Bistorta officinalis View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Polygonaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Polygonum (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Bistort, Meadow bistort, Snakeweed

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.50 m
Spread: 0.50 m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: None

Growing 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

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Root, Seed
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(3)
Functions:
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

Harvest starts: 01/05
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Polygonum bistorta L., name ID 2574619, row 677468; Persicaria bistorta (L.) Samp., name ID 2571994, row 669049; Bistorta officinalis Delarbre, name ID 2676824, row 1328600
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 314361; name ID 2566799; Polygonum L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.