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Arrow Tearthumb
Polygonum sagittatum
Tearthumbs weak-stemmed sprawling annuals. They use backward-pointing hooks on the stem and leaves to help it climb over other plants. The hooks are also responsible for the name "tearthumb." Arrow tearthumb and halberd-leaved tearthumb can be distinguished by the shape of the leaves -- like narrow arrowheads on arrow tearthumb, and wider with spreading lobes at the base on halberd-leaved tearthumb.
• Family: Buckwheat (Polygonaceae)
• Habitat: marshes, wet thickets
• Height: 2-4 feet
• Flower size: 1/8 inch across
• Flower color: pink or white
• Flowering time: June to October
• Origin: native
next in buckwheat family
This arrow tearthumb plant was photographed at a botanical garden. In the wild, tearthumb clambers over and through other plants. |
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Arrow tearthumb has backward-pointed hooks on the stem and leaves. |