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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

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