Bistorta bistortoides (American Bistort)

Plant Description: A common mountain wildflower native to much of the western US, including the Willamette Valley. An upright perennial flower with long, slender basal leaves, and white to pink clumps of flowers. 

The entire plant is considered edible. Roots are edible raw or roasted, flavor is similar to chestnuts. Greens are edible raw or cooked, and seeds can be ground into flower or eaten as cracked grains. *NEVER CONSUME PLANTS WITHOUT PROPER ID*

• Height: up to 2.5ft
• Width: 6"-1.5ft
• Watering needs: Moist-wet
• Sun needs: full-part sun
• Soil needs: Adaptable to most soil types but prefers wet, dense soil
• Bloom Time: May-Sept
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): No

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: American Bistort thrives in wet sites like wet meadows, swamps or bogs, wetlands, and streambeds. Attracts butterflies, pollinators, and birds; a larval host to Mountain Fritillary. We recommend this plant for meadowscapes, rain gardens, and food forests.