Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade. Repays generous treatment. Plants are growing well at Kew in a moist position by water in the rock garden. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. This species is closely related to P. viviparum and P. bistorta.

Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant acid flavor, they are used as a potherb. Root - raw or cooked. Starchy and rather pleasant, the root can be baked or added to soups, stews etc. It was often dried before being used. The raw root is slightly astringent, it becomes sweeter when boiled but is best when baked. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Moist or wet meadows and swamps, seldom below 2500 metres.