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Low Smartweed (Persicaria longiseta) (22253276491).jpg   

 

NAME: Lady’s Thumb

SPECIES / FAMILY:  Polygonum Longisetum / Polygonaceae

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):  common smartweed

CONDITIONS: sun/shade
 

PARTS:

EDIBLE cid:image001.jpg@01D3EC3E.A305A520

TASTE

RAW/COOK

SEASON

All

 

 

 

 

Shoots

 

 

 

 

Leaves

mild

RAW/COOK

Spring/Summer

Stalk/Stem

 

 

 

 

Buds

       

Flowers

 

 

 

 

Fruits

 

 

 

 

Pods

 

 

   

Seeds

slightly bitter

RAW/COOK

Summer

Nuts

 

 

 

 

Roots

 

 

 

 

Bark

 

 

 

 

 

PORTION: small

 

COMMENT: Leaves can be added to soups and salads, used in smoothies, or dry for future use. Seeds are small, dry, and slightly bitter, not very appetizing.

 

CAUTION: 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, boil with lid off to minimize.(1)

 

NUTRITION/MEDICINAL:  http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/smartweed.html - Leaf Tea used for heart ailments, stomachaches, inflammation, sore throat, and as a diuretic. Also used against kidney stones. Leaf tea also used as a foot soak for pain in legs and feet. Whole plant poultice used for general pain and poison ivy rash.

 

LOOK-A-LIKES:  Pepper Smartweed - http://www.eattheweeds.com/smartweed-natures-pepper-and-pharmacy

 

POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES: 

 

OTHER USES: Whole plant poultice as insect repellant.

 

SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):

  1. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Polygonum+longisetum
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygonum_cespitosum redirected from Polygonum longisetum
  3. https://hafoodtours.com/diy-vietnamese-foods/how-to-make-translucent-noodles-with-chicken-soup