JUMPSEED
Persicaria virginiana
BUCKWHEAT FAMILY (Polygonaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - July, August, September
- Common in moist woodlands at both FF and NW
- Long whip-like flower stalk with tiny, widely spaced flowers
- "Beaked" fruits which "jump" off the stalk when touched
This native perennial grows up to 3 feet tall. The stems are erect, terminating in a sparsely flowered, whip-like spike (C,D). Alternate leaves are elliptical and up to 6 inches long. The tiny white or greenish white flowers, with 4 pointed petals, are on a thin stalk which curves upward 1-2 feet above the leaves (A,B,C). Persistent styles on the spent flowers and fruit give them a beaked appearance (E). The mature fruits actually appear to “jump” off the plant when touched, a feature responsible for their common name. In spring, the emerging, young leaves show distinctive brown blotches (F).
This plant is found in moist woodlands, occasionally in large colonies where growing conditions are favorable, forming a “jumpseed forest” (D). It is common at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. Flowering occurs from July to September.
Other common names include Virginia Knotweed and Woodland Knotweed.
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