Seasonal Wild Flowers

Water-pepper

Persicaria hydropiper

Polygonaceae

July to August

It is found throughout the country except for parts of the

Northeast.

See the BSBI distribution map for Water-pepper

It grows in waterlogged meadows, by all types of

freshwaters and in temporary wet depressions caused

by vehicle and animal activities.

Water-pepper is a native, erect or sprawling, peppery-

tasting herb, growing up to 75cm.

The tiny flowers are greenish white in long arching stems.

The flowers have 2 stigmas and the segments are covered

in yellow glandular dots.

Leaves are narrowly lanceolate, up to 10cm, almost sessile,

and peppery to taste.

Stems are almost hairless with a jointed appearance.

Previous page: Water Dock
Next page: Western Gorse

Water-pepper, wet meadow, Somerset

Arching flower spikes

Flowers

Leaves and jointed stem