Photos: roadside near Foynes, Co. Limerick

Red Bistort Persicaria amplexicaulis Stóinse dearg Family: Polygonaceae Flowering July-September. Perennial. Introduced. Long-stalked, dense spikes of red flowers, usually with more than one inflorescence to each stalk. Large, semi-evergreen leaves have cordate bases and upper leaves are stem-clasping. Erect, usually branched stems, height to 1m. Plants spread vegetatively, can become invasive in gardens An occasional garden escape or discard that sometimes naturalises on waste ground and roadsides. Also recorded from dunes, railway banks and hedgerows.

Red Bistort, Persicaria amplexicaulis, Stóinse dearg