Mountain Fleece

(Bistorta amplexicaulis)

Mountain Fleece (Bistorta amplexicaulis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Bistorta amplexicaulis, commonly known as Mountain Fleece, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to the moist meadows and stream banks in the Himalayas and parts of South Asia. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters), forming dense clumps of foliage. The plant features lance-shaped leaves that clasp the stem and spikes of tiny, densely packed flowers. The flowers are usually a rich reddish-pink color, blooming from midsummer to early fall and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Mountain Fleece is valued for its long flowering period and vibrant flower spikes, which add color to borders, cottage gardens, and waterside plantings. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established. While it prefers consistently moist soil, it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun to part shade and benefits from soil with good fertility and medium drainage. Mountain Fleece is not commonly associated with serious disease or pest problems, but in poorly drained soils, it may suffer from root rot. It is not known to have aggressive roots or to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows and stream banks in the Himalayas and parts of South Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Red Bistort, Blodormrot, Blodpilört, Röd Ormrot, Bao Jing Liao, Bao Jing Quan Shen

Scientific Names: , Persicaria amplexicaulis, Bistorta amplexicaulis, Polygonum amplexicaule, Polygonum ambiguum, Polygonum speciosum, Polygonum amplexicaule var. speciosum, Polygonum oxyphyllum, Bistorta amplexicaulis var. speciosa, Bistorta amplexcicaulis

GBIF Accepted Name: Bistorta amplexicaulis (D.Don) Greene