Swamp Smartweed

(Persicaria hydropiperoides)

Swamp Smartweed (Persicaria hydropiperoides)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Persicaria hydropiperoides, commonly known as Swamp Smartweed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and along stream banks throughout the Americas. It typically grows upright or erect, reaching a height of up to one meter (40 inches). The plant features nodes on the lower stem from which roots may emerge. Its bristly lance-shaped leaves measure around 10 centimeters (4 inches) long and are accompanied by sheathing stipules called ochrea. The spikelike inflorescence bears numerous pinkish flowers, each approximately 3 millimeters wide, which bloom in late summer to early fall. The flowers are modest in appearance but can add a soft color to wetland gardens.

Swamp Smartweed is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used for erosion control along waterways. It is suitable for rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and naturalized areas. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, adapting well to soils with varying drainage speeds. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, which should be monitored to prevent unwanted expansion.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 0.1-0.4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: False Water-Pepper , Mild Water-Pepper , False Waterpepper , Mild Smartweed , Mild Waterpepper , Renouée Faux-Poivre-D’Eau , Persicaire Faux-Poivre-D’Eau , Renouée Faux-Poivre-D’Eau Variété Faux-Poivre-D’Eau

Scientific Names: Polygonum hydropiperoides , Polygonum minus , Persicaria hydropiperoides , Polygonum opelousana , Polygonum persicarioides , Persicaria opelousana , Polygonum hydropiperoides var. hydropiperoides , Polygonum hydropiperoides var. opelousanum , Polygonum mite , Polygonum hydropiperoides var. persicarioides

GBIF Accepted Name: Persicaria hydropiperoides (Michx.) Small