How much sun does Alpine Bistort need?

Alpine Bistort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Alpine Bistort bloom?

Alpine Bistort blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Alpine Bistort native?

Alpine Bistort (Bistorta vivipara) is native to AZ, CO, ID, ME and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Alpine Bistort attract?

Alpine Bistort draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Alpine Bistort HOA-friendly?

Alpine Bistort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Alpine Bistort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bistorta vivipara

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alpine Bistort (Bistorta vivipara) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CO, ID, ME and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Rockies

Alpine bistort is a compact perennial wildflower that forms neat clumps of narrow leaves topped with small white or pink flower spikes in summer. This high-elevation native stays small and tidy, making it suitable for rock gardens or as a groundcover in cooler areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alpine Bistort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Unfamiliar wildflower appearance may concern conservative HOAs
Very small size could appear sparse in formal landscapes
Alpine nature may not thrive in typical suburban conditions

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, providing nectar during the peak growing season. Its compact size makes it a good choice for pollinator gardens in smaller spaces.

Common questions

How much sun does Alpine Bistort need?: Alpine Bistort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Alpine Bistort bloom?: Alpine Bistort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Alpine Bistort native?: Alpine Bistort (Bistorta vivipara) is native to AZ, CO, ID, ME and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Alpine Bistort attract?: Alpine Bistort draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Alpine Bistort HOA-friendly?: Alpine Bistort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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