Bistorta vivipara

(Alpine Bistort)

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Bistorta vivipara, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 3978

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Bistorta vivipara, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 6810

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Bistorta vivipara, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 6840

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Bistorta vivipara, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 8293

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Bistorta vivipara, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 3964

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Bistorta vivipara, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 3967

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Bistorta vivipara, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 6813

Scientific Name Bistorta vivipara (Polygonum viviparum) USDA PLANTS Symbol POVI3
Common Name Alpine Bistort ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 823849
Family Polygonaceae (Buckwheat) Flora of North America Ref. Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Montane to alpine (8500 to 14000 ft); exposed areas, moist meadows, streamsides, tundra.
Plant: Erect, slender perennial 3 to 14 inches tall.
Leaves: Mostly basal, with 2 to 4 alternate stem leaves; smooth surfaces and edges often rolled downward; basal leaves 1 to 3 inches long, linear to lanceolate or narrowly ovate; smaller stem leaves.
Inflorescence: Several small white to pinkish flowers 3/16-inch long with 4 to 6 tepals in a loose raceme 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches long; reddish-purple or brown bulblets along stem below.
Bloom Period: June to September.
Reference: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Minnesota Wildflowers and "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains