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Tasteless Water-pepper

Persicaria mitis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Polygonaceae (Dock)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Ditches, fields, waterside, wetland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 5 petals
 
Dark pink or reddish flowers, appearing in a slender spike.
Fruit:
A dark brown, oval, flat nut.
Leaves:
Lance-shaped, pointed leaves, up to 2.5cm (1 inch) long. The leaves are narrow at their bases.
Other Names:
Mild Water-pepper.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Persicaria mitis is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae, native to Europe. It is an annual herb with small, white flowers and is found in wet places such as beside ponds, lakes and rivers, in shallow ditches and damp hollows in fields. Its leaves are lanceolate and its stems are trailing. The flowers have five petals and five sepals, and the fruits are small, dark-colored nutlets. Potential chemotaxonomic markers for Persicaria mitis include the presence of flavonoids, quinones and triterpenes.

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Persicaria mitis, also known as the Mild Water Pepper, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to Asia, but has been introduced in many other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. This species is known for its attractive foliage, which is green and shiny, and its small white flowers, which bloom in dense spikes.

The plant grows to a height of about 60 cm and spreads to a width of around 50 cm. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is also a hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to -20°C. This makes it ideal for use in gardens and parks, where it can be used as an accent plant, a ground cover, or as a border plant.

Persicaria mitis is a low-maintenance plant, making it a popular choice for gardeners. It does not require pruning or deadheading, and it is resistant to pests and diseases. This species is also ideal for use in damp areas, such as near water features, as it is able to tolerate wet soil.

In addition to its ornamental value, Persicaria mitis has a number of medicinal uses. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is used to treat digestive problems, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is also used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis.

Persicaria mitis is a versatile and attractive plant that is well-suited for use in gardens and parks. Its attractive foliage, white flowers, and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for landscapers and gardeners alike. Its medicinal uses also make it a valuable addition to any herb garden.

Persicaria mitis is also known for its versatility in the garden. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for use in rock gardens, while its spreading habit makes it suitable as a ground cover. It can also be used in mixed borders, as a filler plant between larger shrubs and perennials, or as a stand-alone specimen. The plant's delicate white flowers and shiny green leaves provide a striking contrast against dark-leaved plants and provide a visual interest in the garden even after the blooming period.

This species is also popular among butterfly and bee enthusiasts as it is a food source for both. The small, white flowers are an excellent source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making Persicaria mitis a valuable addition to any pollinator garden.

Persicaria mitis is also a great choice for gardeners in cold climates, as it is able to tolerate harsh winter weather and is one of the first plants to re-emerge in the spring. In addition, it can be propagated easily from stem cuttings or division, making it an ideal choice for those looking to expand their garden without spending a lot of money.

In summary, Persicaria mitis is a versatile, low-maintenance plant that provides a variety of benefits in the garden. Its attractive foliage, delicate flowers, and hardiness make it a valuable addition to any garden, and its medicinal uses and importance to pollinators only add to its value. Whether used as a ground cover, a filler plant, or a specimen, Persicaria mitis is sure to make a lasting impression in any garden.

Another advantage of Persicaria mitis is its adaptability to a range of soil types and conditions. This plant can grow in a variety of soils, from heavy clay to light sand, as long as it is well-drained. It can also tolerate damp soils and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. This makes it ideal for use in a wide range of gardens, including those in urban areas where the soil may be less than ideal.

It is also an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Once established, it is drought tolerant and can grow without the need for regular watering. The plant will grow best with regular watering, but it is able to tolerate periods of drought once it is established.

In addition to its ornamental value, Persicaria mitis has many environmental benefits. It is a hardy plant that can grow in areas where other plants may struggle, making it ideal for use in difficult growing conditions. It also provides food and habitat for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and it is an important food source for wildlife, such as birds and small mammals.

In conclusion, Persicaria mitis is a versatile and attractive plant that offers many benefits in the garden. Its adaptability to a range of soil types and conditions, low-maintenance needs, and hardiness make it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Its environmental benefits, such as its importance to pollinators and wildlife, make it a valuable addition to any garden. Whether used as a ground cover, a filler plant, or a specimen, Persicaria mitis is sure to make a lasting impression in any garden.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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