Lady’s thumb is an annual plant in the buckwheat/smartweed (Polygonaceae) family. terrestre (Willd.) May 7, 2016 - Explore Melanie Martin's board "Smartweed", followed by 270 people on Pinterest. Upper leaf surface does not have dark triangular or crescent shaped blotch. In addition, the plant contains minerals, vitamins A, C and K, bitter substances, rutin, organic acids and essential oils. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. Polygonum is a genus of about 130 species of flowering plant in the buckwheat and knotweed family Polygonaceae.Common names include knotweed and knotgrass (though the common names may refer more broadly to plants from Polygonaceae).In the Middle English glossary of herbs Alphita (c. 1400–1425), it was known as ars-smerte. Smartweed Botanical: Polygonum hydropiper (LINN.) 50. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using. Learn more about Sneezewort uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain Sneezewort An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat haemorrhages of blood from the mouth and to aid postpartum healing. The ocrea surface is smooth but with appressed dense hairs without glands. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for subspecies profiles. H.Hara, Persicaria amphibia var. It can grow to heights of three and a half feet but is more normally about two and a half feet tall. ©1996-2020 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Polygonaceae is one of the largest medicinal plant families, vastly distributed worldwide, containing around 1,200 species from 48 genera. Leaves are 2½-8 inches long and ½-3 inches across, narrowly lanceolate to lanceolate. In aquatic form, stems of the plant are 6 feet long. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. 3) For medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. If you garden or a friend does, you should be able to find it easily. The leaves have been used as a wipe on the anus in treating bloody piles. Some require extra preparation. Around Haliburton, it especially likes our acidic, peaty loam! Polygonum amphibium subsp. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). They recommend that doctors take account of a person’s use of cannabinoids when prescribing drugs and encourage their patients to be upfront about their cannabinoid intake — medical or otherwise. Those must be pounded or chopped into pulp. Skype: healthbenefit55. terrestre (Willd.) Several Plains Indian tribes used the species as a food source, while other groups derived medicines from the roots, stems, and leaves. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Description; Constituents; Medicinal Action and Uses; Preparations and Dosage; Other Species ---Synonyms---Water Pepper. Culrage. 1. Biting Persicaria. Polygonum amphibium f. terrestris (Leers) Kitag. Seeds are broadly ellipsoid or ovoid, somewhat flattened and brown measuring 2 to 3.5 mm long. Lady's-thumb smartweed is an annual weed of wet disturbed areas. Pennsylvania Smartweed also produces small, two-sided achene’s that have one seed in them. Increases heart health The cardiovascular benefits of consuming the Purslane Plant comes from the high quantity of Omega 3 fatty acids.. It is not known if smartweed is safe. The research finds these herbs can directly inhibit influenza viruses as well as stimulate the body’s own immune system in order to counteract the flu. Products. Disclaimer, e-mail: [email protected] Terms of Use. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. They believe that people, 19 years and above, deserve to have the privileges of excellent cannabis for recreational and medical uses. Growing Spotted Knotweed. Health benefits of water pepper herb. Interesting facts and benefits of Coralberry – Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, Traditional uses and benefits of Yellow Loosestrife, Uses and benefits of Peyote – Lophophora williamsii, Traditional uses and benefits of Fernleaf Biscuitroot, Major Health Benefits of Sleep and Recovery Supplements. Smartweed. Medicinal use of Pennsylvania Smartweed: An infusion of the plant tops has been used in the treatment of epilepsy. ---Parts Used---Whole herb and leaves. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Some people put smartweed directly on the skin to wash bloody wounds. Smartweed can be cut, and the roots can be dug up. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. Antiinflammatory Astringent Carminative Contraceptive Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Homeopathy Stimulant Stomachic Styptic Smartweed has a long history of herbal use, both in Eastern and Western … The constituents are polygodial, sesquiterpenoids, rutin and waburganal as well as essential oil. Medicinal Summary: Leaves - capsicum antifungal; increases blood circulation, soothes muscle and nerve pain (tincture, infused vinegar, liniment, salve) Smartweed thickets The leaves of smartweeds alternate and the base of the leaves wrap around the stem. Sep 30, 2018 - This article explains some outstanding benefits of smartweed (polygonum hydropiper), which you need to know about. People take smartweed tea to stop bleeding from hemorrhoids, as well as menstrual bleeding and other uterine bleeding.They also use it to treat diarrhea.. © 2020 Healthbenefitstimes. When used by humans as an herbal preparation or as food, Curly Dock’s tart, lemony flavor is appreciated and enjoyed. Some people put smartweed directly on the skin to wash bloody wounds. WATER SMARTWEED ( AMPHIBIOUS PERSICARIA) - USEFUL HERB: MEDICINAL BENEFITS AND USES OF WATER SMARTWEED HERB AMPHIBIOUS PERSICARIA, WATER SMARTWEED, POLYGONUM AMPHIBIUM OR PERSICARIA AMPHIBIA. The flowers of cup shaped have 5 sepals about 4 to 5 mm long which connects at the base and 8 protruding stamens. Smartweed contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. 1st ed. Arsesmart. pale smartweed. They are passionate about providing great customer support so expect to have perpetual assistance before and even after purchasing from Weed Smart. People take smartweed tea to stop bleeding from hemorrhoids, as well as menstrual bleeding and other uterine bleeding.They also use it to treat diarrhea.. Leaf teas are often the preferred administration method. Smartweed seeds are heavily consumed by ducks, small birds, and small mammals. By helping the blood clot, smartweed might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Pennsylvania Smartweed is quite the opposite as far as having distinguishing flavors. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings). During a section of my lecture, I grabbed a smartweed in my local vicinity and asked if anyone had used smartweed before. Habitat. A.H.Munshi & G.N.Javeid, Persicaria amphibia var. terrestre (Willd.) muehlenbergii Meisn. Smartweed was used by the Native Americans in a number of ways. 2nd ed. The seeds were gathered and mixed with other items to enhance flavor as they have a sharp, peppery taste. Infusion made with leaves and stems are used for treating stomach pains or diarrhea in children. I think it was about as good as anything else I have ever written. Smartweed definition is - any of various polygonums with strong acidic juice. The Cherokee used the crushed leaves to treat rash caused by poison ivy. The underside mid veins is conspicuous. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Are there any interactions with medications. Upper surface of leaf is medium to dark green, glabrous to sparsely short pubescent. A yellow dye can be produced with alum used as a mordant. Deliveries. Buding, Polygonum hydropiper, SMARTWEED, Hung la-liao - Herbal Medicine - An illustrated compilation of Philippine medicinal plants by Dr Godofredo Umali Stuart with botanical information, chemical properties, folkloric uses and medicinal research studies. Upper surface may contain appressed hairs. And after this past election, recreational use or soon will be permitted in seven of those states, as well as Washington D.C. amurensis (Korsh.) Polygonum amphibium subsp. Plants have always been there but the fall weather makes them more prominent. Medicinal uses. Dispensaries. Amphibia persicaria is also known as Water Smartweed, Amphibious knotweed, and Amphibious bistort. Cook the leaves or consume it raw. The leaves and flowering tops were used in an infusion for stomach problems and when boiled can get rid of gravel in the organs. Smartweed has been used medicinally for many ailments including diarrhea, cleaning wounds, heart ailments, stomach aches, sore throats and stopping bleeding. Infusion made with leaves and stems are used for treating stomach pains or diarrhea in children. Smartass. Polygonum muehlenbergii var. Skip to content. See their menu, reviews, deals, and photos. Medicinal Uses. These were investigated by the Bega-Cobargo private veterinarians and Ian Lugton from the South East Livestock … Water smartweed is perennial plants which adapts an aquatic life and blooms in water and abandoned on land. Leaves are alternate that occurs along entire length of terrestrial stems. If the essential oil is not used properly it can cause skin irritation. I had written about climbing mountains in search of medicinal plants with my great Aunt Bett, I told how to make dyes from flowers and berries, I told how to make salves by using lard and beeswax. It is classed amongst the sacred herbs and i t continues to be associated with all-powerful and spiritual forces. Select a product to start your online order! All rights reserved. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Also, the root can be chewed to alleviate toothache. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. ), which possesses properties similar to those of the English species; a homoeopathic tincture is prepared from the fresh plant, which has been used with great advantage in diarrhoea and dysentery, in doses of 20 to 60 minims. The leaf shape is lanceolate to oblong or elliptic to oblong having obtuse tips and rounded bases. Fruit is a shiny or dull, smooth and dark brown seed. Polygonum punctatum Elliott – dotted smartweed Subordinate Taxa. Other common names include spotted lady's thumb and redshank. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Polygonum hydropiper is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See more ideas about Plants, Weed, Wild edibles. Leaf base is tapered to rounded, slightly heart shaped with short stout stalk forming sheath at the stem. Our new book Edible Shrubs is now available. Like lamb’s-quarters, this will grow where humans dig the soil. Roots are consumed raw or infusion made with dried roots is used for treating chest colds. Native Americans used Pennsylvania smartweed for medicinal purposes. Lady’s thumb is an annual plant in the buckwheat/smartweed (Polygonaceae) family. Smartweed can be found in all of the lower 48 states. home/health & living center/ supplements a-z list /smartweed article. Description of the plant: Plant: Annual. Flowers are bright pink, 1/8-inch across with five tepals and long pink tipped stamens. FREE Shipping. The Polygonum family gets t It is thought that there are higher levels of Omega 3’s in Purslane than in some varieties of fish oil. References. The young leaves were eaten as a potherb and were used as seasoning as well. 0. Arcmart. Native Americans used the leaves in treatments of stomach pains and poison ivy. Bloodwort. A number of scientific studies have confirmed that certain medicinal herbs and combinations have the ability to reduce the duration of the flu and reduce symptoms as well. An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat haemorrhages of blood from the mouth and to aid postpartum healing. It can not only soothe insect bites and superficial wounds but prevent infections and accelerate healing. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use sesame in medicinal amounts. It is a source of antioxidants and supporter of good health, here we'll take a look at its benefits! Polygonum amphibium var. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed. Roots are stoloniferous or rhizomatous from which clonal plants develop. This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. The psychoactive herb remains illegal on the federal level, because 27 states exercise the tenth amendment to allow medicinal use. Close-up of smartweed flower stalk. It can cause side effects such as stomach irritation when taken by mouth. Leaves are alternate, lanceolate to ovate and 8 inches x 3 inches with smooth margins, tapering to a pointed tip. Apply the poultice of fresh roots to the mouth for treating blisters. It is … Maps. Poultice – The simplest method of using many medicinal plants is to mash/pulp the plant by chewing then place it on the skin. See additional information. The entire plant is used to make medicine. The surfaces are green. Therapeutic Application, Health Benefits and Claims of Water Pepper. Water-pepper medicinal herb uses also include the treatment of epilepsy, gout, and it can be used as herbal bath for rheumatism, arthritis and other joint pains. The stalks of the plants are used in salads, and the root is said to have medicinal uses; the plant is often cited for its anti-inflammatory properties and is also used … Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. WATER SMARTWEED ( AMPHIBIOUS PERSICARIA) - USEFUL HERB: MEDICINAL BENEFITS AND USES OF WATER SMARTWEED HERB AMPHIBIOUS PERSICARIA, WATER SMARTWEED, POLYGONUM AMPHIBIUM OR PERSICARIA AMPHIBIA. The stem of this plant is usually 2-3 feet and is known to be a creeper initially however with time the stems becomes semi-erect. Health benefits of Plantain herb . To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). Polygonum nepalense is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). Terms & conditions Feb 12, 2014 - Smartweed, or Polygonum hydropiperoides, is a lowland plant native to the Americas. Pennsylvania Smartweed - Pinkweed - a native annual herb that is a duck magnet(50 - Seeds) 200+ Pinkhead Smartweed Ground Cover Seeds (Polygonum Capitatum) - Flower Garden Spring Summer Rare Tree Seeds. Margins are entire or toothless. terrestre (L.) Delarbe, Persicaria amphibia var. Fibrous roots form from nodes of stems and produce clonal plants. About 75 different Polygonums reside in North America… Plantains herb have wide-ranging antimicrobial properties besides being anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Bity Tongue. Warnings. Digesting the plant as usual, any foraging animals quickly learn of it's taste and don't eat it again. The terrestrial variety bears cylindrical flower clusters about 4 cm long. Smartweed possesses powerful nutritional properties that have been traditionally used for respiratory support, to relieve bloating, and for gastrointestinal distress.The recognized benefits of smartweed are not exclusive to … The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Polygonum muhlenbergii var. Some of the most popular ones include water smartweed, smartweed, marsh weed, biting knotweed and biting pepper. Smartweed is an herb. It is a summer annual, herbaceous, broadleaved plant that is not well-recognized as being an edible plant. Smartweed is an annual that grows to about two feet in height, flowers from July to September and grows in shallow water and in areas that stay wet and occasionally hold standing water. Another type of smartweed with white flowers. Culinary uses. The high levels of vitamin K in smartweed might reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Medicinal uses. The ocrea (leaf stem) is tan to dark brown, cylindric with truncate to oblique margins. Privacy Policy Sojak. Silver fleece vine (Polygonum aubertii) Also called silver lace vine, this bee plant is closely related to the smartweeds and knotweeds. Alternative Uses of Spotted Smartweed. The plant is self-fertile. terrestris (Leyss.) The medicinal properties are diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, tonic, antiseptic, diuretic, stimulant and emmenagogue. All are edible, but naturalist Steve Brill notes that smartweed types -- with the exception of lady's thumb -- tend to be extremely strong-tasting and are best used sparingly. Willd. terrestre Willd. Smartweed contains chemicals that are thought to stop bleeding. Trel. It can even be used as an earache remedy by putting two to four drops in the ear to alleviate pain. Brands. Close-up of smartweed flower stalk. 1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. The flower of Pennsylvania Smartweed including a couple of breeding pollinators. There have been various opinions about how broadly the … The use of Kesum smart weed is slowly being incorporated into the medical sector fully. Medicinal use of Pennsylvania Smartweed: An infusion of the plant tops has been used in the treatment of epilepsy. Ulcers or other stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) disorders: Smartweed can irritate the tissues that line the stomach and intestines, making ulcers and GI problems worse. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for smartweed. Febrifuge Poultice A juice of the root is used in the treatment of fevers[272]. Location. These Omega 3’s help to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. Basically used for a number of respiratory issues smartweed is known to grow in damp environments and ditches. Log in Sign up. It is in flower from July to September. A.H.Munshi & G.N.Javeid, Polygonum amphibia subsp. POISONING IN CATTLE Ian Lugton, District Veterinarian, SELHPA, Bega Posted Flock & Herd April 2013 INTRODUCTION . The leaves have been used as a wipe on the anus in treating bloody piles. Polygonum amphibium var. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Roots are consumed raw or infusion made with dried roots is used for treating chest colds. Only 10 left in stock - order soon. Make sure to mow, herbicide, or use tillage to kill this weed before seed set to prevent large amounts of weed seed from entering your seed bank. When the fresh plant is handled it can cause skin irritation and swelling (inflammation). People take smartweed tea to stop bleeding from hemorrhoids, as well as menstrual bleeding and other uterine bleeding. Polygonum "persicaria" contains persicarin which is used in medicines for diarrhea and infections. Red Knees. Family: N.O. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. natans (Leyss.) The herbaceous perennial plant has both terrestrial form as well as aquatic form. Apart from it being used as an herb and food, scientists has found a possibility that the plant could be used to solve complications with the brain and skin cells. Cattle deaths occurred at Tarraganda and Wallagoot, near Bega, during February 2009 due to suspected toxic plant ingestion. Another type of smartweed with white flowers. Flowers are perfect and sometimes unisexual. Other common names include spotted lady's thumb and redshank. Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for... Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? The Cherokee used the crushed leaves to treat rash caused by poison ivy. The upper surface and lower surface of the leaves are glabrous. Source fact sheet for background information – Credit: Michigan State University Extension. amurensis Soják, Persicaria amphibia var. Leaf bases are wedge shaped or narrowly rounded and leaf tips are acute and slender. ---Other Species---From the AMERICAN SMARTWEED (Polygonum, Linn. Native Americans used Pennsylvania smartweed for medicinal purposes. Water smartweeds have a long history of human use. Culpeper in the 17th Century had this to say of arssmart’s medicinal properties:- In today’s herbal medicine, water pepper is mainly used as a topical astringent agent and a remedy against diarrhea.. Apply the poultice of fresh roots to the mouth for treating blisters. However, physical control is difficult because it can re-establish from seeds and remaining roots. The terrestrial plants have light green or yellowish green stems which are glabrous to pubescent, relatively stout and terete. They also used the leaves crushed, on poison ivy rashes. Once you order from them, you will be considered as part of their community of cannabis advocates. Polygonum amphibium var. terrestre Leyss. Polygonum amphibium var. Cart Online Order Bag. All are edible, but naturalist Steve Brill notes that smartweed types -- with the exception of lady's thumb -- tend to be extremely strong-tasting and are best used sparingly. aquaticum Ehrh., 1780. The fast growing, slightly woody, twining, deciduous plant has stems that can grow up to 20 feet annually. Researchers reveal that this spectacular herb It is a summer annual, herbaceous, broadleaved plant that is not well-recognized as being an edible plant. General. They also use it to treat diarrhea. Amphibia persicaria is also known as Water Smartweed, Amphibious knotweed, and Amphibious bistort. My mother saved that paper for me and I recently found it while searching for more Aunt Bett stories. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc). How Pale Smartweed is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. Polygonaceae. Strains. Safety. Native Introduced Native and Introduced. The genus name Persicaria comes from the resemblance of the leaves of many species to those of Peaches (Persica in Latin). Names of Pale Smartweed in various languages of the world are also given. This is because where our federal laws are occasionally made. Medication Interactions. My mother read my story. In form of terrestrial, it is 1 to 3 feet tall, more or less erect and either branched or sparingly branched. $39.50 $ 39. Menu. Note, some plants can only be used externally and so can’t be chewed. Choosing a Quality Meal kit Subscription Service, Facts about Common Toadflax – Linaria vulgaris, Uses and benefits of Virginian Peppercress – Lepidium virginicum, Health benefits of Bay Laurel – Laurus nobilis, Uses and Benefits of Larch – Larix decidua, Willow Grass, Longroot smartweed, Water knotweed, Water smartweed, Amphibious bistor, Swamp Smartweed, Swamp Knotweed, Water Heart’s-ease, Tanweed, Tansy Mustard, Devil’s Shoestring, Alternate, 2 to 15 cm long, 1 to 6 cm wide, Tracheophyta  (Vascular plants, tracheophytes), Polygonaceae (Knotweed, renouées, buckwheat), Persicaria amphibia (L.) Delarbre (Water knotweed). Aquatic variety has egg shaped flower clusters that measures 4 cm long. Persicaria amphibia subsp. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Pale Smartweed. More evidence is needed to determine the safety of smartweed. There have been various opinions about how broadly the … Top 10 Purslane Plant Health Benefits and Uses . Vitamin K helps the … Weedmaps Home. amurense (Korsh.) Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Smartweed is used for: Uterine and menstrual bleeding; Diarrhea; Hemorrhoids; Bleeding wounds; More evidence is needed to determine the effectiveness of smartweed as a medicinal treatment. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. It has a highly acidic, peppery flavor. Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. Medicinal Summary: Leaves - capsicum antifungal; increases blood circulation, soothes muscle and nerve pain (tincture, infused vinegar, liniment, salve) Smartweed thickets The leaves of smartweeds alternate and the base of the leaves wrap around the stem. LEARN THE HISTORY OF USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF LADY'S THUMB This plant is a native of Europe and the British Isles, and was introduced to North America where it has become an invasive weed. The appropriate dose of smartweed depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. The plant blooms from mid-summer to autumn and lasts for 2 to 3 months. Here just a few of the medicinal benefits of water pepper herb worth mentioning: It Reduces Aches and Pains. If you grow pot, your market is at least one in every five Americans. The upper leaves float on the water surface. Water smartweed belongs to one such segregate genus, Persicaria, along with 100 other Polygonum species with spike-like flower clusters. Smartweed is an herb. Silver fleece vine (Polygonum aubertii) Also called silver lace vine, this bee plant is closely related to the smartweeds and knotweeds. Most damp partial sun to shady areas are filled with smartweed now. Smartweed, also known as Polygonum hydropiperoides, is a plant that grows in low, wet environments throughout North and South America. Active Ingredients and Substances: Water pepper’s main active constituents are flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, hyperosid, isorhamnetin, rhamnazin), coumarins and tannins (mainly hydrolysable tannins).. Sepals are oval spreading outward slightly when fully open. Vervain (Verbena officinalis) medicinal herb also called verbena, is one of the best herbs amongst all the rest of plants and the whole plant can be used for medicine. The fast growing, slightly woody, twining, deciduous plant has stems that can grow up to 20 feet annually. See more ideas about Plants, Weed, Wild edibles. 2. The Plants Database includes the following 2 subspecies of Polygonum punctatum . May 7, 2016 - Explore Melanie Martin's board "Smartweed", followed by 270 people on Pinterest. Smartweed is an herb. Addiction – What Are the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Drug Abuse? The lower surface is light green, glabrous and fine hairs occur along midvein and toward the leaf base. The term smartweed is thought to be a more sanitized version of the original word “arsmart” for the use of the plant in medieval times to relieve itching and swelling of the human posterior. It is a flowering plant in the knotweed … Click on an acronym to view each weed list, or click here for … SMARTWEED (PERSICARIA SPP.) Flowers are 4-6 mm long and each flower contains 5 pink to rosy pink sepals, five stamens with white filaments and pink anthers. An active biochemical aucubin is mainly responsible for the antimicrobial action of the herb. Biological Management Options. Leaves have also been used to treat hemorrhoids. Ciderage. Polygonum terrestre (Willd.) Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Smartweed is a cannabis dispensary located in the Los Angeles, California area. I hadn't heard of someone else who used Smartweed until I was Speaking at the Bronx Community Green Fair this past October 2018. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The entire plant is used to make medicine. Like many other plants in the smartweed family, Pennsylvania Smartweed grows many small, pink flowers on .5 to 2 inch long spiked clusters that rest on hairy stalks and bloom from May until October. It is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere and got naturalized in South America, Mexico and Southern Africa. Polygonum coccineum var. A paste of the root is used as a poultice on fresh wounds[272]. Polygonum is a genus of about 130 species of flowering plant in the buckwheat and knotweed family Polygonaceae.Common names include knotweed and knotgrass (though the common names may refer more broadly to plants from Polygonaceae).In the Middle English glossary of herbs Alphita (c. 1400–1425), it was known as ars-smerte.