Far Eastern Smartweed
ExplorePlants
Far Eastern Smartweed
persicaria extremiorientalis
The Far Eastern Smartweed is a fun plant that loves to grow near water! Its bright green leaves and tiny pink flowers make it a colorful addition to nature walks.
Habitat: Far Eastern Smartweed thrives in wetlands, near rivers, and along the edges of ponds.
Appearance
The Far Eastern Smartweed has slender stems with lance-shaped green leaves often marked with a distinctive dark, reddish-brown blotch in the center. Its tiny, pale pink to white flowers grow in dense, upright spike-like clusters at the tips of the stems, creating a soft, feathery appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusPersicaria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even small stem pieces can grow into new plants!
Its tiny seeds are an important snack for many birds!
Look closely for a dark V-shape on its leaves, a smartweed signature!
Some people call its spicy leaves 'poor man's pepper'!
Special abilities
Ability
Rapid Colonizer
Far Eastern Smartweed can quickly grow in disturbed soil and wet areas, helping it dominate new spaces.
Ability
Peppery Defense
Far Eastern Smartweed has a peppery taste in its leaves, which can deter some herbivores from eating it.
Ability
Moisture Master
Far Eastern Smartweed can thrive in very wet or damp soils, allowing it to grow where many other plants cannot.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to Fall (July-October)
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen
eats
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Feeds on seeds from the plant
eats
Isabella tiger moth
Pyrrharctia isabella
Its caterpillars browse leaves
eats
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on young foliage
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Common SmartweedPink SmartweedWater Pepper
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Far Eastern Smartweed?
30-100 cm
How wide does Far Eastern Smartweed spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Far Eastern Smartweed?
0.2-0.4 cm
When does Far Eastern Smartweed bloom?
Summer to Fall (July-October)
Is Far Eastern Smartweed edible?
Yes
Is Far Eastern Smartweed toxic?
None
What is Far Eastern Smartweed's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Far Eastern Smartweed pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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