Polygonum punctatum Elliott   =Persicaria punctata   Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)   Native and South America   Water Smartweed       Water Pepper

                              August Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Annual that is commonly perennial with slender branching rootstocks; stems erect or ascending, 3-10 dm. high, simple or branched, subglabrous; lvs. lanceolate to lance-elliptic, 5-10 cm. long, punctate, acutish to acuminate; ocreae scarious, ciliate; racemes in a naked or leafy panicle, linear-cylindric, 1.5-5 cm. long, suberect, loosely fld. at base; calyx greenish-white, conspicuously glandular-punctate, 2-3 mm. long; aks. shining, 2.5-3.5 mm. long.

Habitat:  Common in low moist places; cismontane and at desert edge as at Victorville; to Wash., Atlantic Coast; S. Am.  July-Oct.

Name:  See P. aviculare for the meaning of the genus name.   Latin, punctatus, spotted as with punctures. (Jaeger 214).  The species name may refer to the gland dotted sepals.  (my comment).

General:  Uncommon in the study area.   Found only in the freshwater area of 23rd St. (my comment).     About 200 species of wide geographical range and falling in several natural groups often recognized as genera.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 701).       It is a stimulant, diuretic, diaphoretic, etc.  The infusion in cold water have been found serviceable in common colds and coughs.  It is used as a wash in skin irritation.  The fresh leaves bruised with the leaves of Plantain, and moistened with oil of Turpentine, and applied to the skin, will speedily vesicate.  The infusion in cold water forms an excellent local application.  The decoction or infusion in hot water is not so active as when prepared in cold or warm water.  (Meyer 131).      A poultice made of charcoal, moistened with water pepper tea is an excellent remedy for pain in the bowels, also ulcers.  Take internally.  (Kloss 324).       The genus Persicaria is not mentioned in the 1993 Jepson Manual.  (my comment).  Planted as waterfowl food.  (Hickman, Ed. 891).      Water Pepper should be collected and made into tincture or tea while fresh, as age decreases its properties and results.  (Hutchens 213).

Text Ref: Hickman, Ed. 891; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 704; Roberts 34.

Photo Ref:  Aug 1 84 # 13,14; Aug, Sept, Oct 88 # 12; Sept 95 # 6,7.

Identity: by R. De Ruff.

First Found:  August 1984.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 259.

Have plant specimen.

Last edit 10/15/04.

                             September Photo                                                            September Photo