Alpine Bistort (Polygonum viviparum)

Family: Polygonaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Polygonum viviparum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant tart taste when cooked. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; They have a pleasant tart taste when cooked.; Seed - raw or cooked.; The seed is not often produced and even when it is, it is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountain grassland and wet rocks. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6)