Persicaria virginiana (Polygonum virginianum)
What is Jump Seed?
Physical Characteristics
- Type of smartweed
Leaves:
- Egg-shaped
- 1.19-6.3 inches long
Flowers:
- Greenish white in color
- About 0.16 inches long
- 4-parted
Fruit:
- One seeded
- Does not open to release seed when ripe
- Round
- Bulging on both sides
- 0.14-0.16 inches long
Stem:
- Straight
- 1-5 feet tall
Where Does it Grow?
USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Jump seed can be found along streams and around lakes.
Pros and Cons of Jump Seed
Smartweed seeds are heavily consumed by ducks, small birds, and small mammals. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.