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Description
Bistorta Vivipara, also known as Alpine Bistort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to the alpine and subalpine regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are lanceolate and dark green. The stems are erect, and the flowers are pink or white.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Bistorta |
Appearance
Alpine Bistort is a small plant that grows up to 6 inches in height. It has a basal rosette of leaves that are 4-10 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate, and have a rough texture. The stems are erect and slender, and the flowers are pink or white and grow in a spike-like inflorescence. The flowers have six tepals that are 3-4 mm long and six stamens.
Care Guide
Water: Alpine Bistort requires moderate watering. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but a light application of an all-purpose fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.Soil: Alpine Bistort prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but requires good drainage.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Alpine Bistort is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alpine Bistort is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and spider mites. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide, while rust can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant. Spider mites can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Alpine Bistort is native to the alpine and subalpine regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in rocky areas, meadows, and on mountain slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alpine Bistort a good plant for rock gardens? A: Yes, Alpine Bistort is an excellent plant for rock gardens due to its small size and preference for well-draining soil.Q: Can Alpine Bistort tolerate frost? A: Yes, Alpine Bistort is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can tolerate frost.Q: How often should Alpine Bistort be fertilized? A: Alpine Bistort does not require fertilization, but a light application of an all-purpose fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.Q: Can Alpine Bistort be grown in containers? A: Yes, Alpine Bistort can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has good drainage.
Related Plants
– Bistorta affinis- Bistorta amplexicaulis- Bistorta bistortoides- Bistorta macrophylla
References
– “Bistorta Vivipara.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287395.- “Bistorta Vivipara.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60498222-2.
