Common Smartweed
or
Water Pepper
Polygonum hydropiper
From Nearctica
Identification: Flowers white (rarely pink), small, arranged in a sparsely packed spike with clear interruptions between the flowers. Flower spikes usually bent over and nodding. Stem swollen at the junction of a leaf and the stem, and with a papery sheath around the stem. Upper margin of the sheath with only a small fringe of hairlike spines or spines absent. Leaves with an extremely peppery taste. Leaves elongate, narrow, tapering toward both the base and the apex, without a petiole. Plant 1 to 3 feet in height.
Distribution: Throughout North America.
Habitat: Common Smartweed is found in wet areas such as low woods, ditches, along along the shores of ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Flowering period: June to November.
Similar Species: Common Smartweed is very similar to Mild Water Pepper. The flower stalks of Mild Water Pepper are usually erect, but those of Common Smartweed typically bend and nod. The leaves of Mild Water Pepper do not have a sharp, peppery taste.