SafePlants

Jumpseed (Persicaria virginiana)

Persicaria virginiana, commonly known as jumpseed, Virginia knotweed, or woodland knotweed, is a North American native plant belonging to the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The plant's ability to eject seeds a distance of 3-4 meters when disturbed could be a factor to consider if pets are prone to ingesting objects they find in the vicinity.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Persicaria virginiana (L.) Gaertner
• Common Names: Jumpseed, Virginia Knotweed, Woodland Knotweed, Virginia Smartweed
• Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Polygonum virginianum L.
  • Tovara virginiana
  • Persicaria virginianum
  • Antenoron filiforme
• Varieties:
  • Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Can grow in dry, shady areas.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Perennial plant growing to approximately 0.6 meters (2 feet) in height and width.
• Hardy to zone 5 (UK).
• Flowers from August to October.
• Features a sparse spike-like raceme, 4 to 16 inches long, comprised of tiny 4-parted white flowers, approximately 1/8 inch long.
• Oval green leaves, approximately 5 inches long, may exhibit a single chevron of red-brown.
• Stems are erect and can grow up to 4 feet tall.

Quirky Facts

• Jumpseed gets its common name from its unique seed dispersal mechanism: mature pedicels can eject seeds up to 3-4 meters when disturbed. The seeds are spring-loaded, and when ripe, they spring off the stem when touched.

Additional Information

• The Polygonum genus has recently undergone taxonomic revision, resulting in the reclassification of approximately 30 species into other genera.