Contents
Description
Persicaria Arifolia is a member of the Polygonaceae family, commonly known as the arrow-leaved tearthumb. This herbaceous perennial plant is native to East Asia and is widely cultivated in North America as an ornamental garden plant. The plant has a unique growth habit, with a vining stem that can grow up to 3 feet long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Persicaria |
Appearance
The leaves of Persicaria Arifolia are arrow-shaped, and the plant produces small, pinkish-white flowers in the summer. The stems of the plant are covered in small, prickly hairs, which can be irritating to the skin. The plant’s roots are shallow, and it spreads easily, making it an excellent ground cover. The plant’s foliage provides an attractive contrast to other plants in a garden, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
Care Guide
Persicaria Arifolia is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. The plant prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, although it can tolerate some shade. Persicaria Arifolia is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Persicaria Arifolia is relatively pest-resistant but can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions. If the plant is allowed to dry out, it can become susceptible to spider mites and aphids. To prevent these pests, keep the plant’s foliage dry and well-watered. If the plant becomes infected with powdery mildew, it can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Persicaria Arifolia is native to East Asia and can be found growing in damp, shady areas such as woodlands, meadows, and riverbanks. The plant is well-suited to these environments and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. Persicaria Arifolia is tolerant of wet conditions and can survive in areas that are prone to flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Persicaria Arifolia an invasive plant?
A: While Persicaria Arifolia can spread easily, it is not considered an invasive plant in most areas.
Q: Can Persicaria Arifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Persicaria Arifolia can be grown in containers and is an excellent choice for hanging baskets or vertical gardens.
Q: How often should Persicaria Arifolia be fertilized?
A: Persicaria Arifolia should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Persicaria Arifolia be grown indoors?
A: Persicaria Arifolia is not well-suited to indoor growing and should be grown outdoors in a garden or container.
Related Plants
- Persicaria Bistorta
- Persicaria Lapathifolia
- Persicaria Maculosa
- Persicaria Polymorpha
References
- “Persicaria Arifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c860
- “Persicaria Arifolia.” Plants For A Future. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Persicaria+arifolia
- “Persicaria Arifolia.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/15727/persicaria-arifolia/details
