Even though its summertime flowers are tiny, jumpseed's nectar attracts numerous species of pollinators, such as bees, wasps, and butterflies. The white to greenish-white flowers bloom like little beads on long, slender stems that are 3 to 5 feet long. The actual height is shorter, however, due to the plant's partially reclinging stems. It's often found along or submerged in streams and lakes where the seeds provide food for ducks and micro- or macroinvertebrates. It may be grown in full sun if the soil is kept moist, but it prefers rich, moist woodland soils in full or part shade. Site it in a spot that's sheltered from strong winds. Jumpseed spreads by rhizomes to form clumps and can be propagated by root division and seeds. Be sure to plant this native rather than its Asian counterpart, which is a rampant spreader with pink flowers.
Persicaria means peach-like and “arrow-shaped,” which describes the leaf shape, and the specific epithet refers to the plant's Virginia origin. The common name jumpseed describes the action of the seed. When the mature fruit seed is lightly touched, the tension stored in the pedicels causes the seed to be thrown several feet from the plant. The hooked styles may also latch onto passing animals. This species differs from other species by its widely spaced flowers and preference for shadier conditions.
Habitats include rich, moist woodlands and banks of streams and lakes. Use in containers to minimize spread, shady woodlands, naturalized areas, borders, and in butterfly, shade, or water gardens. Its clumping form is often used to stabilize soils in low, wet areas.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-3' tall.
Prefers full or part shade. Tolerates full sun with consistent moisture.
Prefers rich, average to moist, loamy or sandy soils. Tolerates occasionally wet conditions.
White to greenish-white, cup-shaped flowers are 1/8" long with four petal-like sepals and slightly protruding stamens. They are widely spaced in a thin, 4-16" inflorescence spike that blooms July-September. Brown fruits contain one dry seed with a hooked tip that "jumps" off easily when touched.
Alternate, lance- to oval-shaped leaves are sharp tipped and up to 7" long and 3" wide. Color is medium green on top and silvery green underneath. Lower leaves often have a dark, V-shaped splotch in the center. Leaves may or may not be hairy.
Wildlife Value:
Nectar attracts leaf-cutter bees, halictids, bumble bees, honey bees, thread-waisted wasps, and potter and mason wasps. Ants eat the nectar without pollinating the flowers. In addition to larvae of moths and caterpillars, adult beetles, aphids, and grasshoppers feed on the leaves. The seeds are an important food source for waterfowl, upland game birds, song birds, and small mammals.Resistant to deer and rabbits.
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
The Cherokee made a tea from jumpseed leaves and honey locust bark and used it to treat whooping cough.
Resources:
North Carolina Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/persicaria-virginiana/
Arkansas Native Plant Society: https://anps.org/2019/09/30/know-your-natives-jumpseed/
Missouri Dept. of Conservation: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/virginia-knotweed-jumpseed#:~:text=You%20might%20think%20that%20the,bees%2C%20wasps%2C%20and%20ants
Maryland Invasive Species Council: https://mdinvasives.org/iotm/may-2022/