American Tearthumb
Persicaria sagittata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–120" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American tearthumb is a climbing annual vine with arrow-shaped leaves and small clusters of white to pink flowers in late summer. This native plant has tiny backward-pointing barbs on its stems that help it climb over other vegetation. It thrives in moist areas and can spread rapidly in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Tearthumb takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Aggressive spreading habit
- Barbed stems can be problematic
- Can appear weedy and uncontrolled
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. Seeds provide food for waterfowl and other birds in wetland areas.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Tearthumb fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.