Water Smartweed (Persicaria amphipia)

     

Water Smartweed (Persicaria amphipia)

Water smartweed is a perennial native of wetlands, pond margins, and quiet backwaters across Wisconsin. Plants occur in two forms. Terrestrial stems stand one to three feet tall, with alternate, sharply pointed leaves four to six inches long on short, rigid petioles. Aquatic stems root in shallow water and may reach five to six feet, producing smooth, leathery floating leaves two to five inches long. Flower spikes are dense, bright pink, and held at the stem tip; individual flowers have five small tepals. Stems often branch underwater in the aquatic form. Found in wet soil, ditches, lake and river edges, and shallow slow‑moving water.

Sources:

 

Flora of North America – Persicaria amphibia 

UW–Madison Herbarium – Persicaria amphibia 

Minnesota Wildflowers – Persicaria amphibia 

Illinois Wildflowers – Persicaria amphibia 

Prairie Moon Nursery – Persicaria amphibia 

Wisconsin DNR Wetland Plant Guide – Persicaria amphibia

(SF)