Persicaria sagittata is an extremely variable species and is known from distinct populations in both Asia and North America. They have been treated as distinct in the past (the Asia form being treated as Persicaria sieboldii). Recent molecular analyses of North American and eastern Asian populations show that these disjunct populations are genetically somewhat divergent from each other. The degree of genetic divergence, however, strongly suggests that they can be recognized either as a single polymorphic species (Persicaria sagittata) or two distinct varieties of Persicaria sagittata, but they can hardly be treated as two distinct species[].

Common Name: False Buckwheat

General Information

Persicaria sagittata is a scandent annual plant with small prickles along the stem. Stems can be unbranched or freely branched and around 30 - 200cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people.
Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[].

Botanical References

,

Range

N. America - Newfoundland to Northwest Territory, south to Florida. Naturalised in Ireland.

Habitat

Moist shaded sites, meadows, pastures, fens, swamps, shorelines of ponds and streams; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[]. Ditches in Kerry[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally succeed in an ordinary garden soil, whilst preferring a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[]. They generally rpays generous treatment[].
Most plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the seed of most, if not all, members of the genus is edible both raw and cooked, and is potentially a good source of amino acids. Unfortunately the seed is also usually rather small and fiddly to utilize[].

Medicinal

The plant has been used with success in the treatment of nephritic colic, relieving the pains caused by gravel[].

The plant contains a small amount of anthraquinone derivatives[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ.