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Least Water-pepper

Persicaria minor

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)
Also in this family:
Alpine Bistort, Amphibious Bistort, Argentine Dock, Black Bindweed, Broad-leaved Dock, Clustered Dock, Common Bistort, Common Buckwheat, Common Knotgrass, Common Sorrel, Copse Bindweed, Cornfield Knotgrass, Curled Dock, Equal-leaved Knotgrass, Fiddle Dock, French Sorrel, Garden Rhubarb, Giant Knotweed, Golden Dock, Greek Dock, Himalayan Knotweed, Iceland Purslane, Japanese Knotweed, Lesser Knotweed, Marsh Dock, Monk's Rhubarb, Mountain Sorrel, Northern Dock, Northern Knotgrass, Pale Persicaria, Patience Dock, Pink Knotweed, Ray's Knotgrass, Red Bistort, Redleg, Russian Vine, Scottish Dock, Sea Knotgrass, Sheep Sorrel, Shore Dock, Tasteless Water-pepper, Water Dock, Water-pepper, Wood Dock
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Ditches, fields, marshes, mud, riversides, swamps, waterside, wetland.

Flower:
✿
Pink, 5 petals
 
Least Water-pepper bears slender, upright spikes of tiny pink to pale reddish flowers, usually blooming from July to October. The flowers are densely packed along the upper parts of the stems and are often nodding or slightly curved. Each flower is just a few millimetres across, and though individually inconspicuous, collectively they give the plant a soft, delicate appearance when in full bloom.
Fruit:
The plant produces small, dark three-edged nutlets, like other members of the dock and knotweed family. These shiny black or brown seeds develop within the persistent floral remains and are relatively inconspicuous. They are dispersed mainly by water or sometimes by animals brushing against the stems in wetland habitats.
Leaves:
The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and taper to a point, typically with a reddish, sheathing ochrea (a papery structure where the leaf joins the stem). The surface of the leaves is smooth, and they often show a faint peppery scent when crushed. Compared to other water-peppers or smartweeds, the leaves of P. minor are smaller and more delicate, helping distinguish it from similar species.
Fragrance:
This plant has a mildly pungent aroma when crushed, somewhat peppery or spicy, though far weaker than Water-pepper. The flowers themselves have no noticeable scent, and the plant does not rely on fragrance for pollination. The scent is only detectable when handled closely or bruised.
Other Names:
Kesum, Pygmy Smartweed, Small Smartweed, Small Water-pepper, Spotted Lady's Thumb.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Tasteless Water-pepper

Other Information

Summary

Persicaria minor, also known as Pygmy Smartweed, is a species of herb in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is found in wet habitats such as marshes and pond edges. The plant is known for its small, white flowers and its high concentration of oxalic acid in its leaves. It is also used for medicinal purposes in Malaysia, where it is known as "kesum". It has also been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and has potential benefits for cognitive function and mood.

Blog

Least water-pepper, also known as Persicaria minor, is a type of plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia and is widely distributed throughout many regions of the world.

Least water-pepper is an annual or perennial herb that grows in moist areas, such as near streams, lakes, and rivers. It is characterized by its small, heart-shaped leaves and tiny, pink or white flowers that bloom from July to September. The plant can grow up to 20 cm in height and has a spreading habit, which makes it ideal for use as a ground cover.

One of the most notable features of least water-pepper is its ability to tolerate wet soils, making it a great choice for gardens that are prone to flooding or for planting near water features. It is also a good option for areas that are difficult to mow or maintain due to their dampness.

In addition to its practical uses, least water-pepper is also valued for its ornamental qualities. The delicate flowers and vibrant green foliage provide a charming and cheerful addition to any garden. The plant is also easy to care for, requiring little maintenance and being resistant to most pests and diseases.

If you're looking for a plant that can add a touch of beauty to your garden while also being able to withstand damp conditions, least water-pepper is definitely worth considering. Whether you're planting near a stream, lake, or river, or simply want to add a pop of color to a shady corner of your yard, this versatile and hardy plant is sure to thrive.

In conclusion, least water-pepper is a versatile, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for gardens that are prone to dampness. With its ability to tolerate wet soils and its charming ornamental qualities, this plant is sure to be a welcome addition to any garden.

Least water-pepper is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. The leaves and stems of the plant contain compounds that have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antiseptic properties.

For instance, a decoction made from the plant's leaves and stems has been used to treat digestive complaints such as indigestion and abdominal pain. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties have also been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and rashes.

In addition to its medicinal uses, least water-pepper is also edible. The leaves and stems of the plant can be cooked or used raw in salads, and they have a mild, slightly bitter taste. The plant is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.

When growing least water-pepper, it's important to keep in mind that it prefers moist soils and partial shade. If planting in full sun, it's a good idea to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the plant from drying out. The plant is also relatively low-maintenance, only requiring occasional watering during periods of drought.

Least water-pepper is a versatile and hardy plant that offers a range of benefits, from its ornamental qualities to its medicinal uses. Whether you're planting near water features, in damp areas, or simply looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your garden, least water-pepper is definitely worth considering.

It's also important to note that least water-pepper can be invasive in some areas and may spread beyond its intended boundaries if not properly managed. To prevent this, it's a good idea to plant it in containers or to limit its growth by regularly removing any unwanted shoots.

Another thing to keep in mind is that least water-pepper may be toxic to livestock if consumed in large amounts. For this reason, it's important to be mindful of where you plant it if you have livestock or pets that roam freely in your yard.

In conclusion, least water-pepper is a highly versatile and low-maintenance plant that offers a range of benefits, including its ornamental qualities, medicinal uses, and edible leaves. However, it's important to be mindful of its invasive nature and potential toxicity to livestock. With proper care and management, this plant is sure to add a touch of beauty and utility to any garden.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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