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Pennsylvania Smartweed (Persicaria pensylvanica): Native Annual

Overview

Pennsylvania smartweed (Persicaria pensylvanica), also called pinkweed or big seeded smartweed, is a native annual found across North America. It produces dense spikes of small pink flowers and thrives in moist, disturbed habitats.

Botanical Details

Family:	Polygonaceae
Genus:	Persicaria (per-sih-KAR-ee-uh)
Species:	pensylvanica (pen-sill-VAN-ee-ka)
Synonym:	Polygonum bicorne
Synonym:	Polygonum mexicanum
Synonym:	Polygonum mississippiense
Synonym:	Polygonum pensylvanicum
Synonym:	Persicaria mississippiensis

Ecological Role

Provides seeds for birds and nectar for insects. Often considered a weed in agriculture but valuable in wetland restoration. Young shoots are edible when cooked.

Herbs: Hardy Hibiscus 'Mighty Big Pink' – Hibiscus moscheutos; Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin); Pink Shower Tree (Cassia javanica): A Tropical Cascade of Blossoms; Pink Knotweed (Persicaria capitata): Trailing Ground Cover with Pink Pompoms; Prostrate Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare): Identification and Characteristics; 'Homestead Pink' Verbena: A Long-Blooming, Pollinator-Friendly Groundcover; Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana): Pungent Root for Sauce and Medicine; Agastache 'Pink Pop' (Agastache austromontana 'Pink Pop'): Compact Hummingbird Mint; Japanese Knotweed: Invasive Threat, Not Health Food; Japanese Knotweed: Identification and Effective Control Methods

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