InBloom

Name: Smartweed
Common Names: Persicaria pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Smartweed, Pink Knotweed, Pink Smartweed); Polygonum persicaria ((Spotted) Lady’s Thumb, Heart’s Ease, Spotted Knotweed)
Scientific Name: Polygonum spp; Persicaria spp
Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
Description: Persicaria pensylvanica: (native) Reaching three feet in height, this has forked or branched, erect, reddish stems that are swollen at the base. Sometimes, they’re hairy, especially along the fringed sheaths.
Leaves: Persicaria pensylvanica 4" to 6" shiny leaves, sheaths without fringes, reddish joints. Polygonum persicaria: Resembling those of peach trees, the sticky, slightly rough leaves are easily identified by a dark blotch, which was once described as resembling a lady’s thumb print, in the center of the leaf.
Flowers: The typically pink flowers emerge on terminal flower panicles that contain a number of crowded flower spikes, up to two inches long.
Bloom Time: May to November
Pollen Source: poor
Nectar Source: good
Pollen Color: creamy white
Native to NC: Yes

Honey Notes: Polygonum persicaria: Tending to granulate easily, this can be white, pink, or various shades of amber. The honey quality can vary somewhat. Higher quality ones, which are usually labeled as heart’s ease, have a mild, pleasing taste. One of the best species for bees, this is a very good honey plant. It typically yields 100 to 200 pounds or more of honey per colony.
More Information: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/polygonum/; www.beeculture.com/smartweeds-and-knotweeds-as-bee-plants/; https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/persicaria-pensylvanica/