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Amphibious Bistort

Polygonum amphibium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Amphibious Bistort (Polygonum amphibium)
Photo: (c) Kevin Krebs, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kevin Krebs

Toxicity unknown

Amphibious Bistort (Polygonum amphibium) 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.

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, AZ, CA, CO and 40 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontRidge and ValleyWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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, AZ, CA, CO and 40 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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