Common bistort
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Polygonales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Persicaria
Species: bistorta
Binomial name
Polygonum bistorta

Common bistort (Polygonum bistorta) is a common wild flower that is found throughout Europe. Alternative names include:

  • Common bistort
  • Adderwort
  • Dock
  • Dragonwort
  • Easter giant
  • Easter ledger
  • Easter ledges
  • Easter magiant
  • Easter man-giant
  • Gentle dock
  • Great bistort
  • Osterick
  • Oysterloit
  • Passion dock
  • Patience dock
  • Patient dock
  • Pink pokers
  • Pudding grass
  • Pudding dock
  • Red legs
  • Snakeweed
  • Twice-writhen
  • Water ledges

The latin name 'bistorta' and the common name 'snakeweed' refer to the twisted appearance of the roor. The plant was used to make a bitter pudding in Lent from a combination of the plant's leaves, oatmeal, egg and other herbs.

See also : Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'