Ladysthumb
Polygonum persicaria L.
Polygonaceae (Smartweed Family)
▲▼young plants showing "thumb-print" markings
▲mature plant
▲ ochrea showing fringed upper edge
▲▼ flowers
Lady's Thumb:
* larger smartweed, 2-4' tall, stems usually red
* summer annual
* leaves larger, have a purplish triangular mark in center (lady's thumb print)
* has hairs on sides and top of ochrea, which distinguishes it from pale smartweed which does not have hairs/fringe
* seen in agronomic as well as wetland habitats