American Jumpseed
Persicaria virginiana (L.) Gaertn.
Persicaria virginiana, known as American Jumpseed, is a perennial species in the Polygonaceae family. It is native to North America and has a wide distribution, including regions in Canada, the United States, and parts of Asia. The plant is notable for its shade tolerance, a rare trait within its mostly sun-loving genus. Its seeds are capable of jumping several feet when the ripe seedpod is disturbed.
Description
Persicaria virginiana (L.) Gaertn., commonly known as American Jumpseed, is a member of the Polygonaceae family. It is found in regions such as Newfoundland, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and various U.S. states including Vermont, Alabama, and Florida. The plant is also present in IT, Italy, Assam, China South-Central, and East Himalaya. First published in 1790, it is a perennial herb distinguished by its shade tolerance, a characteristic uncommon in the genus. The seeds of this species are known for their ability to disperse by 'jumping' several feet when the seedpod is disturbed.
Other common names
American JumpseedJumpseedVirginia KnotweedVirginia Smartweed
Distribution
Newfoundland · Ontario · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · IT · Italy · Vermont-US · Alabama · Arkansas · Assam · China South-Central · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · East Himalaya · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maryland · Massachusetts · Mexico Central · Mexico Gulf · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi
Synonyms
Tovara virginiana