Polygonum bistorta
Bistort – a hardy perennial with slender stems, growing up to 30 inches tall. Each stem is topped by a dense cylindrical cluster of tiny white or pinkish flowers (May-August). Lower down the stem grow long bluish-green leaves that are lance shaped; higher up, the leaves become smaller. The rhizome of bistort (underground stem) is dark brown to
black, thick, knobby, and twisted into an S or double-S shape.
Tag: thick
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
Black locust – a deciduous tree 60-80 feet tall, with a thick, deeply furrowed, dark brown bark and crooked, forking branches. Compound, feathery leaves 8-10 inches long consist of oval leaflets 1 – 2 1/2 inches long. A pair of approximately 1/2-inch-long thorns forms at the base of each leaf. White, sweet-scented flower clusters (May-June) resemble pea blossoms. Smooth, dark brown pods 3 – 4 inches long contain poisonous seeds.
Witch's Well 