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Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb

Persicaria arifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb (Persicaria arifolia)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb (Persicaria arifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CT, DE, FL, GA and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Persicaria arifolia is a perennial that forms neat clumps of arrow-shaped leaves in partially shaded areas. It produces spikes of small white or pink flowers from July through September, creating an attractive display in woodland gardens or shaded borders.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

  • May spread more than expected
  • Can look sparse in early spring

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and beetles, providing nectar during the mid to late growing season when many other native plants have finished flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb need?
Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb bloom?
Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb native?
Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb (Persicaria arifolia) is native to CT, DE, FL, GA and 23 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb attract?
Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb draws bees and beetles.
Is Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb HOA-friendly?
Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Ready to grow Halberd-Leaved Tear-Thumb? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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