Tearthumbs weak-stemmed sprawling annuals. They use backward-pointing hooks on the stem and leaves to help it climb over other plants. The hooks are also responsible for the name "tearthumb." Arrow tearthumb and halberd-leaved tearthumb can be distinguished by the shape of the leaves -- like narrow arrowheads on arrow tearthumb, and wider with spreading lobes at the base on halberd-leaved tearthumb.
- Synonyms: Polygonum sagittatum
- Family: buckwheat (Polygonaceae)
- Habitat: marshes, wet thickets
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Flower size: 1/8 inch across
- Flower color: pink or white
- Flowering time: June to October
- Origin: native
This arrow tearthumb plant was photographed at a botanical garden. In the wild, tearthumb clambers over and through other plants.
Arrow tearthumb has backward-pointed hooks on the stem and leaves.