Polygonum bistortoides

Polygonum bistortoides, commonly known as American bistort, western bistort, or smokeweed, is a perennial herb in the Polygonaceae family. It is native to western North America, from Alaska to California and east to the Rocky Mountains.

Description

Polygonum bistortoides is a robust plant that grows from a thick rhizome. It reaches a height of 20 to 80 cm. The leaves are lanceolate to elliptical, 10 to 20 cm long, and arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers are white or pink, arranged in a dense, terminal spike. The fruit is a small, brown, three-sided nutlet.

Habitat and Distribution

Polygonum bistortoides is found in a variety of habitats, from moist meadows and streambanks to dry, rocky slopes. It is most common at higher elevations, from 1,000 to 3,500 meters. Its range extends from Alaska south to California and east to the Rocky Mountains.

Uses

The roots of Polygonum bistortoides have been used by Native American tribes as a food source. They are rich in starch and can be eaten raw or cooked. The young leaves and shoots can also be eaten, either raw or cooked. In addition, the plant has been used medicinally, to treat a variety of ailments.

Conservation Status

Polygonum bistortoides is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many native plants, it is susceptible to habitat loss due to development and invasive species.

See Also

• Polygonaceae
• Flora of North America
• Medicinal plants

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