Family: Polygonaceae
Halberd-leaf tearthumb
[Polygonum arifolium L., more...]
Merel R. Black
Botanical Illustration
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Persicaria: peach-like, the medieval name for knotweed
Plants: climbing or tangling, annual, 3'-6' long, slender forb; 4 -angled stems very prickly
Leaves: alternate; triangular with wide, flaring lobes at the base
Flowers: pink to white, 5-parted, 3/8" long, egg-shaped, stalkless, petals and petal-like sepals; inflorescence short, rounded, uninterrupted clusters both terminal and from the leaf axils; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: dry seed
Habitat: wet; marshes, swamps, wet meadows
Plants: climbing or tangling, annual, 3'-6' long, slender forb; 4 -angled stems very prickly
Leaves: alternate; triangular with wide, flaring lobes at the base
Flowers: pink to white, 5-parted, 3/8" long, egg-shaped, stalkless, petals and petal-like sepals; inflorescence short, rounded, uninterrupted clusters both terminal and from the leaf axils; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: dry seed
Habitat: wet; marshes, swamps, wet meadows
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions
Botanical Illustration
Robert W. Freckmann
Robert W. Freckmann
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
