Polygonum fugax

Small

Alpine Bistort, Alpine Knotweed, Serpent Grass

Polygonaceae Edible: Leaves, Root, Seeds Potential hazards — see below

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Ingrid P. Lin

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The New York Botanical Garden

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Summary

A perennial with hermaphroditic, insect-pollinated flowers. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soils.

Description

Edible Uses

Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Seeds are also edible raw or cooked, though they are small and fiddly to work with. The root can be eaten raw or cooked; it is starchy with a pleasant flavour.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people. Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Europe, North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it is hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. This species might be a part of P. viviparum, or perhaps a segregate part of that aggregate species. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade. Repays generous treatment. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame; germination is generally free and easy. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant out during summer if they have reached sufficient size, or overwinter in a cold frame and plant out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division can be done in spring or autumn and is very straightforward — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones do better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.