Bistort Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'

Names

• Family

  Polygonaceae.

• Synonyms

  Bistort, Snakeweed, Easter-ledges, Adderwort, Dragonwort, Osterick, Passions, Patience Dock, Red Legs, Twice Writhen, Water-Ledger.

• Common names

  Persicaria bistorta, Polygonum bistorta, Bistorta major, Bistorta officinalis.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Bistort (Persicaria bistorta 'Superba') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or toxic reactions from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, some individuals might experience an allergic reaction or mild stomach upset if they consume parts of the plant, particularly if they are not used to eating it.

• To pets

  Bistort is also not known to be toxic to pets. While it is not common for pets to ingest this plant, there is no widespread evidence to suggest that it would cause them significant harm. As with humans, the biggest risk would be the potential for an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal discomfort if a pet were to eat a large amount of the plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Persicaria bistorta 'Superba', commonly known as Bistort, is attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, which support biodiversity in the garden.
• Erosion Control: The plant's dense growth habit can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
• Low Maintenance: Bistort is known for being a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established in an appropriate location.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its lush foliage and pink spike-shaped flowers, Bistort adds ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
• Long Blooming: The plant has a long flowering period from late spring to early summer, offering extended visual interest.
• Wildlife Habitat: Bistort provides a habitat and food source for a variety of wildlife including insects and birds.
• Seasonal Interest: Its foliage often turns attractive colors in the fall, providing seasonal interest in the garden.
• Easy Propagation: Bistort can easily be propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
• Ground Cover: Its spreading nature makes it an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots in the landscape.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Persicaria bistorta 'Superba', commonly known as Bistort, has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Astringent: The plant has historically been used for its astringent qualities which can help tighten tissues and reduce secretions.
• Gastrointestinal aid: Bistort has been used in herbal medicine to support gastrointestinal health and to treat issues such as diarrhea and dysentery.
• Antiseptic: Due to its potential antiseptic properties, Bistort has been used to clean wounds and prevent infection.
• Hemostatic: The plant's hemostatic (blood-stopping) capabilities make it useful in traditional medicine for stopping bleeding, both internally and externally.
• Mouthwash: Bistort has been used in the past as a mouthwash to treat issues such as gum infections and mouth ulcers due to its astringent and antiseptic properties.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Persicaria bistorta 'Superba', or bistort, can be used in floral arrangements for its showy, pink flower spikes that add height and texture to bouquets.
• The dried flower spikes of bistort can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting subtle shades of pink or brown depending on the mordant used.
• In garden design, bistort can be used to create a 'naturalistic' look, blending well with grasses and other perennials in meadow-style plantings.
• The plant's dense clumps are useful in controlling soil erosion, making it a practical choice for slopes and banks.
• Bistort can be incorporated into wildlife gardens, as it provides nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
• The leaves can be used in compost as a 'green' layer, contributing nitrogen to the composting process.
• In ponds or water garden features, bistort can grow at the water's edge, providing habitat and hiding spots for amphibians and insects.
• The winter seed heads of bistort can offer visual interest in the garden during the colder months and can also be used for winter floral displays.
• As a ground cover plant in shaded areas, bistort can suppress weeds while still allowing bulbs and small perennials to emerge through its foliage.
• Bistort's dense growth habit can be useful for creating a vegetative border or low hedge along walkways or garden paths.

Feng Shui

The Bistort is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Bistort is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Persicaria bistorta, commonly known as Bistort, has historically been used for its medicinal properties, suggesting a symbolic connection to healing and health.
• Resilience: Bistort's ability to thrive in various conditions and its vigorous growth habit symbolizes resilience and adaptability.
• Femininity: The soft pink spikes of the Bistort flowers are often associated with feminine energy and grace.
• Connection to Nature: As a plant that is found in meadows and natural settings, Bistort symbolizes a strong connection to the earth and nature's cycles.
• Prosperity: In some traditions, due to its lush and abundant flowering, Bistort can represent prosperity and abundance.