Dotted Smartweed
Persicaria punctata
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Galápagos, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Prince Edward I., Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
Robert H. Mohlenbrock
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygonaceae
- Genus:
- Persicaria
- Species:
- Persicaria punctata
- USDA Symbol:
- POPU5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, greenish-white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Argyrogramma verruca, Coleophora shaleriella, Monochroa absconditella, Nais tiger moth (Apantesis nais), Smeared Dagger Moth (Acronicta oblinita), Epidemia helloides
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich, loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and along water bodies
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)