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(Persicaria maculosa)
Lady’s Thumb (Persicaria maculosa)
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© Matt Lavin
CC BY 4.0
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© Matt Lavin
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: mattlavin | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Persicaria maculosa, commonly known as lady’s thumb, is an annual herb that is native to moist meadows, floodplains, and the edges of waterways in Eurasia. It has naturalized widely in North America. The plant typically grows up to 3 feet tall and features lance-shaped leaves that are often marked with a distinctive brown or black spot, resembling a thumbprint. The small, pink to red flowers are arranged in dense, elongated clusters and bloom from mid-summer to early fall, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
Lady’s thumb is valued for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in disturbed areas, making it useful for quickly covering bare ground. However, its invasive potential should be carefully considered before planting. It prefers moist, fertile soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. While it can be an attractive addition to informal garden areas or naturalized plantings, it may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Lady’s thumb is valued for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in disturbed areas, making it useful for quickly covering bare ground. However, its invasive potential should be carefully considered before planting. It prefers moist, fertile soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. While it can be an attractive addition to informal garden areas or naturalized plantings, it may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type:
- Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.25 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid, Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, floodplains, and edges of waterways in Eurasia
Other Names
Common Names: Redshank , Spotted Lady’s thumb , Lady’s-Thumb , Erva-De-Bicho , Erva-De-Pessegueiro
Scientific Names: Persicaria dolichopoda , Polygonum persicaria , Persicaria dolichopoda , Persicaria dolichopoda , Persicaria fallax , Persicaria fusiformis , Persicaria granulata , Persicaria incana , Persicaria interrupta , Persicaria maculata
GBIF Accepted Name: