Redshank
Persica maculosa previously known as Polygonum persicaria
Importance
A weed in all spring crops. Found in heavy, damp soils.
1. The cotyledons are lance-shaped and borne on a red to crimson stem.
2. The first true leaf is broad, smooth and dark green, often tinged with red.
3. Later leaves have a thick black blotch in the centre of the blade. An annual of upright growth habit, with small spikes of pink seed-like flowers.
