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Polygonaceae
Alpine Bistort
Bistorta vivipara
Survival and adaptation.
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Genus
- Bistorta
- Native to
- Arctic and Alpine regions worldwide
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- perennial herb
- Height
- 0.25-1 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Moist, acidic to neutral soil
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 2-7
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Instead of relying solely on seeds, Alpine Bistort produces tiny bulbils (miniature bulbs) on its flower spike that drop off and grow into new plants.
- This viviparous reproduction strategy is an adaptation to the short growing season, as seeds may not have time to mature.
- The root was an important food source for Arctic and mountain peoples, eaten raw, cooked, or dried and ground into flour.
- It is one of the most widespread arctic-alpine plants, found on every continent with arctic or alpine habitats.
- Reindeer and caribou actively seek out Alpine Bistort as a preferred food in tundra ecosystems.
Color meanings
0
endurance
1
resourcefulness