Seasonal Wild Flowers

Water-pepper

Persicaria hydropiper

Polygonaceae

July to August

It is found throughout the country except for parts of the Northeast.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

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.

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Water-pepper, wet meadow, Somerset

Arching flower spikes

Flowers

Leaves and jointed stem