False Water-pepper

Common name: False Water-pepper (Mild Water-pepper)

Scientific name: Polygonum hydropiperoides

Dimensions:
  Flower: 1/8" (3 mm) long
  Plant height: 6-36" (15-90 cm)

Blooming period: July-October

Habitat: Wet soil, shallow water, marshes

Description: Tiny pink or purplish (sometimes white or greenish) flowers sparse and unevenly spaced on one or more erect, slender 1-3" (2.5-7.5 cm) spikes; 5 petals. Leaves narrowly oval to linear, 2-4" (5-10 cm) long. Sheaths at leaf stem joints have a fringe of slender short- hairy bristles less than ¼" (6 cm) long. Smartweed family. (September 6)