Persicaria punctata, commonly known as Dotted Smartweed, is a native annual or short-lived perennial found in wetlands, moist meadows, ditches, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in wet to moderately moist soils and full sun to partial shade, making it well-suited for rain gardens, wetland edges, and naturalized lowland plantings.
This plant typically grows 1 to 2.5 feet tall and features slender, branching stems with alternate, lance-shaped leaves that may have a faint dark mark (or "watermark") near the center. From late summer into fall, it produces slender spikes of small, white to pale pink flowers, which are dotted with dark glands—hence the name “dotted” smartweed. These blooms attract pollinators such as bees and flies, and the seeds are eaten by waterfowl and songbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Persicaria punctata is a valuable addition to wetland restoration projects and wildlife gardens. It supports both aquatic and terrestrial species, stabilizes soil in moist habitats, and adds fine-textured greenery and late-season blooms to native plantings.
Persicaria punctata, commonly known as Dotted Smartweed, is a native annual or short-lived perennial found in wetlands, moist meadows, ditches, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in wet to moderately moist soils and full sun to partial shade, making it well-suited for rain gardens, wetland edges, and naturalized lowland plantings.
This plant typically grows 1 to 2.5 feet tall and features slender, branching stems with alternate, lance-shaped leaves that may have a faint dark mark (or "watermark") near the center. From late summer into fall, it produces slender spikes of small, white to pale pink flowers, which are dotted with dark glands—hence the name “dotted” smartweed. These blooms attract pollinators such as bees and flies, and the seeds are eaten by waterfowl and songbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Persicaria punctata is a valuable addition to wetland restoration projects and wildlife gardens. It supports both aquatic and terrestrial species, stabilizes soil in moist habitats, and adds fine-textured greenery and late-season blooms to native plantings.
Bloom time: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: borders of ponds and small streams; drainage ditches; moist openings in floodplain forests; seeps; swamps
Lifespan: annual; short-lived perennial
Moisture: moist to wet
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 2.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: mucky soil that is high in organic matter
