Ladysthumb

Ladysthumb

Polygonum persicaria L.

Polygonaceae (Smartweed Family)

▲ ▼ young plants showing "thumb-print" markings

▲ mature plant

▲ ochrea showing fringed upper edge

▲ ▼ flowers

Lady's Thumb:

larger smartweed, 2-4' tall, stems usually red
summer annual
leaves larger, have a purplish triangular mark in center (lady's thumb print)
has hairs on sides and top of ochrea, which distinguishes it from pale smartweed which does not have hairs/fringe
seen in agronomic as well as wetland habitats