Willow Weed

Persicaria maculosa

Willow weed (Persicaria maculosa) is an erect and sprawling summer growing annual that can be a serious weed in crops (e.g. maize). It has reddish stems and pink spike like flowers. It is common in the spring and summer throughout New Zealand but is quickly killed by frosts. A similar species, water pepper, grows taller and is common in wet places.

Cotyledons:

• Long
• Apex rounded
• Base not tapered.
• Stalkless

Leaves:

• Thin spear-shaped
• Rigid