How much sun does Amphibious Bistort need?

Amphibious Bistort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Amphibious Bistort bloom?

Amphibious Bistort blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Amphibious Bistort native?

Amphibious Bistort (Polygonum amphibium) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 38 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Amphibious Bistort toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Amphibious Bistort as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Amphibious Bistort attract?

Amphibious Bistort draws bees and butterflies.

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

Polygonum amphibium

Last reviewed: July 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Amphibious Bistort as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

8"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 38 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

Amphibious bistort is a low-growing perennial that thrives in wet conditions and partial shade. It produces small pink flower spikes in summer and spreads by underground rhizomes to form colonies.

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 overtake other plants
Requires consistently wet conditions that may create drainage concerns
Wild, informal appearance doesn't suit formal landscaping

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract bees and butterflies seeking nectar. Its seeds provide food for waterfowl and other birds in wetland areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Amphibious Bistort need?: Amphibious Bistort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Amphibious Bistort bloom?: Amphibious Bistort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Amphibious Bistort native?: Amphibious Bistort (Polygonum amphibium) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 38 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Amphibious Bistort toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Amphibious Bistort as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Amphibious Bistort attract?: Amphibious Bistort draws bees and butterflies.
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