Common names: mild water pepper, swamp smartweed

Scientific names: Polygonum hydropiperoides (Persicaria hydropiperiodes, Polygonum opelousana, Polygonum opelousanum, Polygonum persicariodes, Polygonum setacea)

Seasons of significant use: summer (for Polygonum spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, annual or perennial, warm season forb to 3.5 feet. Stems erect, sometimes basally decumbent and rooting at nodes, with swollen nodes; leaves alternate, simple, lanceolate, stipulate; stipules form papery sheaths around nodes called an ocrea, bristly or ciliate on the margins; inflorescence relatively narrow (usually 0.2 inch or less thick); flowers not glandular punctate; fruit is dark, shiny, 3-angled achene. Flowers June-November.

Plant community type: Exposed wet areas. Often in or near water in marshes, ditches, beaver ponds, etc. somewhat shade tolerant.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family