Persicaria sagittata
Arrowleaf Tearthumb
NATIVE
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Distinct arrowhead shaped leaves, with bases that encircle stem
Credit: Kristie Gianopulos. Used with permission.
FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Square stem heavily armed with unmistakable briars that can tear flesh, hence the common name.
Synonym(s): Polygonum sagittatum, Tracaulon sagittatum, Truellum sagittatum
Description: Trailing, perennial herb up to 2 m long with weak intertwining branches.
Leaves: Simple, entire, alternate, arrow-shaped leaves with acute tips. Leaf midribs contain spines.
Flowers/Fruit: Tiny flowers are white to pink, clustered on ends of stalks emerging from base of leaves. Flowers and fruits May to November.
Habit and Range: Freshwater marshes, wet fields and disturbed areas across North Carolina.
Typical Max Plant Height (m):
2
Leaf Arrangement:
Alternate
Leaf Division:
Simple
Leaf Margin:
Entire
Leaf Shape:
Triangular,
Lance-shaped (Lanceolate)
Inflorescence Color:
White,
Pink
Fruit Color:
Brown
Lifespan:
Perennial
Group:
Dicot
Family:
Polygonaceae / Smartweed
Ecoregions Found In:
Statewide
