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Common bistort is a common wildflower that is found throughout Europe. The generic placement of this species is in flux. While treated here as in Persicaria, it has also been placed in Polygonum or Bistorta. The common names for this plant are also diverse. Alternative names include:
- Common bistort
- Adderwort
- Dock
- Dragonwort
- Easter giant
- Easter ledger
- Easter ledges
- Easter magiant
- Easter man-giant
- Gentle dock
- Great bistort
- Osterick
- Oysterloit
- Passion dock
- Patience dock (but this is also used for Rumex patienta)
- Patient dock
- Pink pokers
- Pudding grass
- Pudding dock
- Red legs
- Snakeweed
- Twice-writhen
- Water ledges
The Latin name 'bistorta' and the common name 'snakeweed' refer to the twisted appearance of the root. The plant was used to make a bitter pudding in Lent from a combination of the plant's leaves, oatmeal, egg and other herbs.
See also
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