Andy's Rocky Mountain Wildflowers

Alpine Bistort

Polygonum viviparum

Also known as: Viviparous knotweed. Habitat: common in alpine meadows and at the edges of lakes and streams Interest: A series of bulbils, or small bulbs, grow on the stem, just below the flowers.  The bulbils are not seeds. They fall from the stem and are able to take root during the same growing season. This mechanism is one means by which the plant can propagate itself. It is reported that the Alpine bistort often grows in areas of higher soil fertility, such as near animal dens or bird nesting sites.

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For more information email: ajfyon@vianet.ca
URL: http://www.ontariowildflower.com/alpine_bistort.htm
© 2007 Andy Fyon
Sudbury, Ontario