Persicaria hydropiperoides
swamp smartweed
Overview
Persicaria hydropiperoides is a rhizomatous perennial in the buckwheat family, producing slender, jointed stems 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall that often root at the lower nodes and sprawl across wet ground. The leaves are lance-shaped, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, with a papery sheath (ocrea) wrapping the stem at each node. Tiny flowers are packed into slender, interrupted spikes 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long at the stem tips, ranging from white to pale pink, opening from summer into autumn. Small dark three-angled seeds follow and are eaten by waterfowl and marsh birds. It grows in shallow water, ditches, marsh edges, pond margins, and saturated soil throughout much of North America. The plant spreads by creeping rhizomes and by rooting stems to form dense colonies, and it tolerates both standing water and seasonally exposed mud. Top growth dies back in winter and regrows from the rhizome in spring. Its vigorous spread can crowd out smaller plants in confined plantings, and it is unsuited to small water features where it is hard to contain.
Native Range
Native across much of North America, from southern Canada through the United States to Mexico and Central America, in wetlands and shallow water.Suggested Uses
Used in wetland restoration, pond and stream margins, and rain gardens where its roots stabilize wet soil. Grown in large bog or water-garden settings with room to spread. Suited to naturalized wet areas rather than confined ornamental ponds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight