Persicaria bistorta

Common bistort
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Polygonales Family: Polygonaceae Genus: Persicaria Species: bistorta
Binomial name
Polygonum bistorta

Common bistort (Polygonum bistorta) is a common wild flower that is found throughout Europe. Alternative names include:

• Common bistort
• Adderwort
• Dock
• Dragonwort
• Easter giant
• Easter ledger
• Easter ledges
• Easter magiant
• Easter man-giant
• Gentle dock
• Great bistort
• Osterick
• Oysterloit
• Passion dock
• Patience dock
• Patient dock
• Pink pokers
• Pudding grass
• Pudding dock
• Red legs
• Snakeweed
• Twice-writhen
• Water ledges

The latin name 'bistorta' and the common name 'snakeweed' refer to the twisted appearance of the roor. The plant was used to make a bitter pudding in Lent from a combination of the plant's leaves, oatmeal, egg and other herbs.

See also : Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'