Bistort (Persicaria bistorta)

French name: Renouée bistorte

When seen from a distance, the delicate, pale pink flowers of Bistort remind me of candy floss.

Although Bistort is a common wildflower found throughout France, when in full bloom it really is quite pretty. Growing to a height of about 60cm, its tiny pink flowers form a spike above triangular or heart-shaped leaves.

Bistort prefers to grow in damp places such as meadows or in roadside ditches. These are currently growing in our field, which the petite source which runs through our garden gently flows into before disappearing underground.

In the North of England this wildflower is commonly known as Pudding or Passion Dock as its bitter leaves were traditionally used to make a pudding around Easter time.

Insects love it too!

Bistort flowers from June through to August, so keep an eye out for it now. If you have Bistort growing near you, I’d love to know, please do leave a comment in the box below.

A bientôt

Katherine x