Plant ID?

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Toddy

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Jan 21, 2005
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S. Lanarkshire
If it ends up with spikes of pink flowers, then it's Bistort....and that's edible :)
Bistorta officinalis, iirc.
Mine is just at that leafy stage too.
 

Broch

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Jan 18, 2009
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From the photo it looks like common bistort Persicaria bistorta

It's always worth adding where you are in the country, size of leaves, and any other info about the plant.
 

punkrockcaveman

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Jan 28, 2017
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yorks
Thanks guys, awesome. Is that the one you use for dock pudding?
For extra info this is in west yorkshire relatively upland area. the biggest leaves were hand sized
 
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slowworm

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May 8, 2008
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Why does it have two names both of which are 'correct', though ?

It has three, polygonum bistorta as well. I think the Bistorta officinalis is the latest name.

Bistorts can be a bit rampant if they like the location but as I like them and have room that doesn't matter. Might need to be careful in a small garden.
 

Broch

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Jan 18, 2009
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Why does it have two names both of which are 'correct', though ?


I grow it in a pot, but I'm wondering about planting it out in one of the beds next to the wee ponds. Anyone know just how vigorous it actually is in a garden ?

M

It's been moved, as have quite a large number of plants :(

I planted a few near our pond about 25 years ago; they now cover around 12 square metres if that's any help :)
 

Toddy

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Jan 21, 2005
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S. Lanarkshire
It's been moved, as have quite a large number of plants :(

I planted a few near our pond about 25 years ago; they now cover around 12 square metres if that's any help :)

Hmmm. Maybe not then. That said, it can fight it out with the meadowsweet and red campion. It's just that I rather think it's pot bound and needing split.

M
 

Broch

Life Member
Jan 18, 2009
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But Kew calls it Bistorta officinalis - who's right? They also list 26 Synonyms....

Apologies for dwelling on this - it appears we're discussing a plant that has been moved around a lot!

It looks as though the botanical world can't agree as Wikipedia says it is now Bistorta officinalis and the BSBI says Persicaria bistorta - for once the common name is less confusing than the scientific name!
 

slowworm

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May 8, 2008
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Apologies for dwelling on this - it appears we're discussing a plant that has been moved around a lot!

No apology needed, you get the same thing with fungi being moved about all the time. Then they decide to split what they thought was a single species them up into multiple species.
 

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