Knowledgebase

unknown garden plant #752744

Asked May 28, 2021, 3:19 PM EDT

Hello. Attached are two photos of a plant growing in my woodland shade garden. Can you tell me what it is? Should I be pulling it out or is it harmless? There is a lot of it. When the plant is small and new there is a darker patch in the center of the leaf that fades away as the plant grows larger. Thank you, Kim Kimball

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Hello Kim,

This appears to be a type of Persicaria, a commonly-encountered annual/perennial genus that has some native and some non-native members in our area. Yours looks like Jumpseed (Persicaria virginiana), a native perennial. A few Persicaria species are known for having that dark chevron-shaped mark in the middle of their leaf. The flowers, while distinctive enough to confirm this is a Persicaria, may not appear for another month or more because they bloom later in the season. Here are some sample images of Jumpseed at various ages:
https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/3562

At least one decorative cultivar (named 'Painter's Palette', with cream-splashed foliage) is used in gardens, so if this didn't seed-in naturally from nearby wild areas, perhaps a neighbor is growing some and the seedlings reverted to all-green.

If you wish, you can leave them for pollinators (probably very tiny native solitary bees, given the flower size), remove them with relative ease if unappealing, or transplant them to a less-visible corner of the yard if you want to keep them for wildlife but don't want them in this exact spot. They are adapted to woodland conditions - part shade to shade - and moist but well-drained soil.

Miri

Hello, Miri,
Thank you for the very informative reply. I am relieved this is not an invasive weed, as I am already battling garlic mustard and stilt grass, and pleased that it is probably a native plant. It is very generous of you to volunteer your time to "Ask Extension." I've always found it to be a very helpful service and truly appreciate being able to consult with experts like this.
Regards,
Kim

On Wed, Jun 2, 2021 at 4:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2021, 9:31 PM EDT

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