Polygonaceae

Polygonum bistortoides

Western Bistort

Stem long, erect, unbranched. Leaves mostly basal with long petioles, few small leaves along stem. Flowers white or pinkish in dense thick spike. Flowers with 5 lobes fused only at base, 8 stamens sticking out beyond, giving the plant a rather fuzzy look. Grows in wet meadows, edges of streams, at high elevations and on subalpine slopes where it can form large stands, usually mixed with other wildflowers.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: All Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 12--24 inches
• Habitat: Subalpine, Alpine, Meadow
• Found In: West Gorge, Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, Crater Lake Np, Wallowas, Steens
• Native: Yes