Persicaria lapathifolia is similar to persicaria maculosa, differing in the hairy (vs hairless) leaves and stems, and by having ochrea that lack long hairs along the upper margin.
Common name:
Pale persicaria
Family:
Scientific name:
Persicaria lapathifolia
Main flower color:
Range:
England, Wales, most of Ireland and lowland regions of Scotland
Height:
Up to 90 cm
Habitat:
Arable fields, waste and disturbed ground
Flowers:
Pure white, reddish-white or greenish white, in elongated spikes. The ochreas, the sheaths below each flower and leaf stalk, have a sparsely hairy surface, as do the yellowish-green stems
Leaves:
Narrowly ovate, up to 7 cm long, sparsely hairy, especially along the margins. Often marked with a dark patch at the centre
Season:
June to October
Rarity:
★★★★★