Etymology: Persicaria: peach-like, the medieval name for knotweed
Plants: erect, annual, up to 4' tall, branched forb, stems with glandular hair; top of nodes bristly; taprooted
Leaves: alternate; mainly along the stem; lance-like and mostly less than 1 1/3" wide
Flowers: pink to rose, 5-parted, 1/8" long, stalk jointed at the top, petals and petal-like sepals connected at the base; inflorescence 1"-2 1/3" loose, cylindrical, spike-like, sometimes drooping clusters
Fruits: black, oval, smooth, shiny, dry seed
Habitat: moist to wet; fields, roadsides, meadows

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc.