Arrowleaf Tearthumb, Polygonum sagittatum L., Native Minnesota Wildflower plant, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

Tearthumbs are weak-stemmed plants that sprawl in moist areas. The jointed stems and the leaf midrib underside are covered with tiny backward pointing prickles, giving the common name "tearthumb", which happens if you run your fingers down the stem. In the Arrow-leaved Tearthumb, The small 3/8" flowers are either white or pinkish, and appear in tight clusters on long stalks, either terminal or from the leaf axils. Flowers have 5 lobes and usually 8 stamens. The leaves are alternate, entire, arrow shaped with downward pointing lobes that surround the stem with a heart shape base. The genus name Polygonum is Greek meaning "many joints" referring to the jointed stems on plants of this genus. Sagittatum is Latin for the arrow shape of the leaf. The plant grows in moist areas that have sunlight.

	Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
	Common Name	Scientific Name	Plant Family	Garden Location	Prime Season
	Arrow-leaved Tearthumb	Polygonum sagittatum L.	Buckwheat (Polygonaceae)	Woodland	Late Summer to Autumn
Other names and notes	Tearthumbs are weak-stemmed plants that sprawl in moist areas. The jointed stems and the leaf midrib underside are covered with tiny backward pointing prickles, giving the common name "tearthumb", which happens if you run your fingers down the stem. In the Arrow-leaved Tearthumb, The small 3/8" flowers are either white or pinkish, and appear in tight clusters on long stalks, either terminal or from the leaf axils. Flowers have 5 lobes and usually 8 stamens. The leaves are alternate, entire, arrow shaped with downward pointing lobes that surround the stem with a heart shape base. The genus name Polygonum is Greek meaning "many joints" referring to the jointed stems on plants of this genus. Sagittatum is Latin for the arrow shape of the leaf. The plant grows in moist areas that have sunlight.