Bistort
  • leaves and shoots are edible raw.
  • rhizome can be eaten raw.
  • rhizome can be steeped in water, roasted/dried, and ground into flour.
  • rhizome is suitable for use as a potherb.
  • seeds are edible, either roasted whole or ground into meal/flour.
  • small bulblets can be eaten raw.
  • plant is rich in vitamin C.
  • grows in moist, open areas on montane, alpine, and subalpine slopes.
  • varieties in the Pacific Northwest are American bistort (Bistorta bistortoides) and Alpine bistort (Bistorta vivipara).
  • warning: eating raw plants in large quantities can cause diarrhea.
Pictures ()
<< previous picture  |  next picture >>