Flowers Growing at our Home

Western Bistort (Smokeweed)

Polygonum bistortoides At tops of slender, erect, reddish stems bloom dense white or pale pink flower clusters. Flowers: clusters 1-2" long; individual flowers less than 1/4 in. long, with 5 petal-like segments. Leaves lanceolate, mostly near the base of the stem; a brownish, papery sheath where leaf joins stem. Height 8-28 in. Flowers May to August in moist mountain meadows or along mountain streams. Roots were cooked by Indians for food, leaves for greens. Ours grow along a drainage ditch next to driveway.