Red Bistort is a
non-native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in hedgerows and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 120cm.
Red Bistort, a native of China and the Himalayas, was introduced into the UK in the nineteenth century. It bears attractive spikes of intense red flowers, elevated on flower stems above its leaf canopy. The plant has unusual leaves which are heart-shaped, with a long tapering point, and clasp the stem with lobes extending behind the stem. The leaves are also dock-like in appearance, having a prominent midrib and veins.
Botanic classification and naming: Red Bistort is a member of the Knotweed (Polygonaceae) family. The genus name
'Persicaria' identifies the plant as a Knotweed and its species name 'amplexicaulis' means 'stem-clasping plant'.
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