Lady’s thumb, Knotweed, Red Leg
Persicaria maculata

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. The stems often produce roots at the lower nodes. It grows up to 50 cm tall. The stems are pointing upwards. The leaves are narrowly sword shaped and on short leaf stalks. There are small hairs on the edges of the leaves. The upper leaf surface is green with a black mark near its centre. The flowers are white or pink. They are in spikes at the top of the plant.

Chemical composition: Tannin = 1%, Fat = 1.9%. Pectins = 5.4%. Sugars = 3.5%. Cellulose = 27.6%. Small percentage of volatile oil containing the camphor-like principle persicariol. There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, India, Indochina, Italy, Mediterranean, North America, SE Asia, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The stems and leaves are eaten. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Nghe bun, Redshank

Synonyms

Polygonum persicaria L.; Persicaria vulgaris;