Knotweed Persicaria virginiana

Knotweed is an herbaceous perennial originally discovered in Virginia and is in the knotweed (Polygonacea) family. It has also been found in Japan, Korea, and the Himalayas of China. Due to the wide geographic distribution, you might find it described by several Latin names in garden catalogs. It is native to the U.S. along the east coast except for Maine, west toward eastern Texas, south to the Gulf Coast and north to southern Minnesota.

The Latin genus name means peach-like and “arrow-shaped” which describes the leaf shape. The specific epithet refers to its Virginia origin. The common name jumpseed refers to the dispersal of the seed. When the mature fruit seed is lightly touched, the tension of the downward bent stem holding the fruit is released and forcefully throws the seed several feet

Plants can be 2-3 feet tall with a clumping arching habit. The sparse tiny white to greenish-white flowers bloom on long, slender stems in mid to late summer. Even though the flowers are not showy, they attract butterflies and bees. The variegated cultivars such as Painter’s Palette are grown for their showy foliage. 

It can grow in full sun but prefers rich, moist to wet, woodland soils in shade to partial shade conditions. They can be found submerged along streams and lakes where the seeds provide food for ducks, micro, and macroinvertebrates. The plant self-seeds and spreads by rhizome and can be propagated by root division and seed.

Knotweed can be used in borders, along riverbanks and naturalized in shady woodland sites. It can also be grown in a container to minimize spread. Knotweed is deer and rabbit resistant. Protect from the wind and keep the soil moist, especially in sunny locations.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  There are no serious insect or disease problems. Some cultivars may spread aggressively. Can be weedy in a garden setting.