Water Smartweed
Persicaria amphibia
Smartweed-Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae)

Smartweed roots on land or at the edge of ponds and lakes in shallow water where it floats its leaves and flowers at the end of long stems. The plant is found in almost all states and throughout Canada. The specific name amphibium is fitting as the plant can grow on land in wet soils and in water. Waterfowl and other aquatic animals eat seeds and other parts of the plant. "Persica" is Latin for "Peach," "aria" means "pertaining to"; the name refers to the similarity of the leaves of the two plants.

Description

Amphibious perennial herb, with erect or prostate stem that may grow 6' or longer. Showy rose-pink flower clusters in a terminal, unbranched cluster. Individual flowers are cup-shaped and 5-parted. Leaves are alternate, oval, hairy and pointed at tip. Seeds are shiny, deep brown and lens-shaped.

Field Marks

Pink thumb-like cluster of flowers with green oval leaves in water or wet soils.

© Al Schneider