When does Persicaria amphibia bloom?

Amphibious bistort blooms from June through September, producing dense pink flower spikes that attract various pollinators including bees, flies, and beetles.

What pollinators visit Persicaria amphibia?

Bees, flies, and beetles are the primary pollinators of amphibious bistort, visiting the dense pink flower clusters throughout the summer blooming period.

Where is Persicaria amphibia native?

Amphibious bistort is native to Oregon and found throughout much of North America, typically growing in wetlands, pond edges, and areas with fluctuating water levels.

Is Amphibious Bistort HOA-friendly?

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

Amphibious Bistort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Persicaria amphibia

Last reviewed: July 2026

Persicaria amphibia is a native aquatic perennial found in Oregon wetlands and pond margins. This amphibious bistort produces pink flower spikes from June through September, attracting bees and other pollinators.

Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia) — Photo: (c) Kevin Krebs, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kevin Krebs

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

8"–40" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 40 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains

Amphibious bistort is a native perennial that thrives in wet soils and can adapt to both aquatic and terrestrial conditions. It produces attractive pink flower spikes from June through September and spreads readily through underground rhizomes. This plant works well in rain gardens, pond edges, and consistently moist areas where other plants struggle.

Growing Amphibious Bistort

Grow Amphibious Bistort in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 8 to 40 inches tall and spread 12 to 48 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Aggressive spreading habit can appear uncontrolled
Requires consistently wet conditions that may look messy
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare patches

Wildlife value

The long-blooming pink flower spikes attract bees, flies, and beetles throughout the summer months. Seeds provide food for waterfowl and other birds in wetland settings.

Common questions

When does Persicaria amphibia bloom?: Amphibious bistort blooms from June through September, producing dense pink flower spikes that attract various pollinators including bees, flies, and beetles.
What pollinators visit Persicaria amphibia?: Bees, flies, and beetles are the primary pollinators of amphibious bistort, visiting the dense pink flower clusters throughout the summer blooming period.
Where is Persicaria amphibia native?: Amphibious bistort is native to Oregon and found throughout much of North America, typically growing in wetlands, pond edges, and areas with fluctuating water levels.
Is Amphibious Bistort HOA-friendly?: Amphibious 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Amphibious Bistort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz