Arrow-leaved Tearthumb

(Polygonum sagittatum)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Arrow-leaved Tearthumb (Polygonum sagittatum L.)

Identification: Flowers small, white or light pink, arranged in small, globular clusters on long flower stalks. Stems with recurved spines and swollen nodes at the intersection of the stem and a leaf. Leaves narrow, arrowhead-shaped with two basal, backward projecting prongs. Leaf midrib with recurved spines. Upper leaves sessile to the stem. Lower leaves with distinct petioles. Plant 2 to 6 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern and central North America.

Habitat: Arrow-leaved Tearthumb is found in marshes, swamps, and other wet areas.

Flowering period: June to October.

Similar Species: Halberd-leaved Tearthumb has broader leaves and the basal projections point more outward than downward.

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