Persicaria virginiana (Jumpseed)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Persicaria |
| Family: | Polygonaceae (Buckwheat) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade, shade; moist woods, thickets |
| Bloom season: | July - September |
| Plant height: | 1 to 4 feet |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FAC MW: FAC NCNE: FAC |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/jumpseed-100_2593.jpg)
Flowers are sparsely arranged in a spike-like raceme, 4 to 16 inches long. Individual flowers are white to greenish white, sometimes pinkish, 1/8 inch long with 4 pointed-tip petals. 4 stamens protrude slightly from the center. One terminal spike is normal, but a plant may branch and have multiple spikes.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/jumpseed-100_2737.jpg)
Leaves are broad, up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide, rounded at the base and sharply pointed at the tip, on short stems. Leaves are usually hairy on both sides, but may be hairless on the underside. The main stem is hairless, except for nodes surrounding the main stem at the leaf axils.
Fruit:
![[photo of fruit]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/jumpseed_0830_090902.jpg)
Fruit is an oval, dry seed with the remains of the style hanging off the tip. When ripe, it jumps off the stem at the slightest touch, hence the common name.
Notes:
Jumpseed often goes by Polygonum virginianum but the accepted name in Minnesota is Persicaria virginiana.
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More photos
Jumpseed plant
a small group of Jumpseed plants
more flowers
more plantsPhotos by K. Chayka taken at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Anoka County. Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Anoka County.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2010-08-07 15:27:57
This is growing along the river trail at Forestville State Park. Flowering in early August.
on: 2011-07-15 10:33:31
This is just coming into bloom in the woods across the road from our home in South St Paul.
on: 2014-03-16 20:52:36
Jumpseed was in bloom at Vale WMA in Sibley County northwest of Henderson in early September of 2013.
on: 2017-09-02 10:54:40
Plant growing on ridge in mixed white pine/oak stand. Plant beyond flowering and has set seed.
on: 2018-10-13 10:53:33
Growing in my shade garden. Wet feet. Variegated, with rosy-red flowers. On the small side, however I have not seen it before, so I figure its young. A gift from the birds! 13 October 2018
on: 2018-10-13 13:00:49
Laurie, if it has red flowers it isn't jumpseed, though there are several related species that do have deep pink flowers. The alternative is you have some kind of cultivar.
on: 2020-10-10 09:06:51
Lots of this sprung up this year when I cut back the nettle in my backyard
on: 2022-08-20 18:18:12
Saw it growing all along the trail in first part of the park.
on: 2023-01-16 17:40:30
Just wanted to add to Erin's post, that I see jumpseed growing with wild nettles all the time on my creekside walks so they must be companion plants!