Botanical name:

Persicaria decipiens (Polygonum salicifolium)

Common name(s):

Tūtunāwai, Swamp willow weed, slender knotweed

About:

P. decipiens is a trailing plant known for its unique growth habit, as its stems initially grow horizontally along the ground but gradually become more vertical over time, ultimately reaching heights of around 30cm. It features narrow leaves that are elliptic to lanceolate in shape, resembling a spear. The plant produces slender pink flower spikes that emerge from late November and continue to bloom until June, with the highest frequency of flowering occurring in February. During the winter months, the plant typically experiences dieback, after which it regenerates anew in the spring, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability.

Natural habitat:

Wetlands, in or around waterways and wet soil.

Growing environment:

Sun & Wetland

Endemic distribution:

Mainland New Zealand. Also present in many other countries worldwide.

Height: 30cm

Flowering: 

December – April with a pale pink to white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Wetland’s

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.