Stout Smartweed

Persicaria robustior

Native to:
Canada, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Polygonaceae
Genus:
Persicaria
Species:
Persicaria robustior
USDA Symbol:
PORO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
200 cm
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

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:
waterfowl, songbirds

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

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with cold-moist stratification and exposure to light.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI