Small Water-pepper

Small Water-pepper by arable field,
Isle of Portland, Dorset

Branched stems with flowers

Close-up of flowers and fringed ochreae

Closer view of flower and scaly sheath

Lower leaves
Persicaria minor
Least Water-pepper
Polygonaceae
June to September
It is patchily scattered throughout the country and is most
common in parts of Hampshire and the Northwest
See the BSBI distribution map for Small Water-pepper
It grows in nutrient-rich mud, especially where ponds and
ditches dry out in the summer.
It also grows in damp pasture and can withstand trampling
by cattle.
Small Water-pepper is a native, annual, branched,
spreading herb, growing up to 40cm.
The small flowers are pink and separated up the stem.
The ochreae (sheathing scales) are coarsely fringed.
Leaves are up to 5cm long and lanceolate.
Small Water-pepper is not acrid to taste.
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