Water
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in autumn and winter to prevent waterlogging, as the plant becomes dormant.
Also known as Smokeweed · Western Bistort
American bistort (Bistorta bistortoides) is a charming native perennial with slender spikes of pink flowers, ideal for moist meadows and rock gardens. Its basal leaves ad
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight daily but tolerates light afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, allowing slight drying between waterings. Reduce in dormancy.
Well-drained, loamy, sandy, clay
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
25% intensity
Thrives in temperate climates and is very cold-hardy, tolerating significant frost.
Low Feed
25% intensity
Benefits from compost; fertilize sparingly in spring if needed.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in autumn and winter to prevent waterlogging, as the plant becomes dormant.
Prune after flowering to remove spent flower stalks and any dead or damaged foliage. This encourages a tidy appearance and can promote a second, though usually smaller, bloom.
Cut back to the ground in late autumn or early spring before new growth emerges.
Bistorta bistortoides can be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn. Sow fresh seeds outdoors in autumn or stratify them indoors before sowing in spring.
Seed propagation may require patience for flowering.
This plant generally prefers to be left undisturbed once established. If repotting is necessary, typically for container-grown specimens, do so in early spring before new growth begins.
Handle the root ball gently to minimize transplant shock.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of American Bistort (Bistorta bistortoides)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Bistorta |
| Species | Bistorta bistortoides |
Similar in genus Bistorta
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
