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Water Smartweed

Persicaria amphibia

CommonPlant
Illustration of Water Smartweed (Persicaria amphibia)

Water Smartweed is an amphibious wildflower that grows in both aquatic and terrestrial forms, producing attractive pink flower spikes rising above the water or spreading across wet mud. It is one of the most important food plants for waterfowl in North American wetlands, with seeds consumed by ducks, geese, shorebirds, and marsh birds in enormous quantities.

Habitat
Ponds, lakes, wet ditches, and muddy wetland margins across North America
Diet
Seeds are top-ranked waterfowl food; consumed by ducks, geese, and shorebirds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Water Smartweed

The best time to see a Water Smartweed is June–August, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,577 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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