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Pink Smartweed

Persicaria bicornis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Pink Smartweed (Persicaria bicornis)
Photo: MONGO / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Pink Smartweed (Persicaria bicornis) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AR, CO, IA, IL and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

High PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess Plains

Persicaria bicornis is a medium-height perennial forb that produces clusters of small flowers from July through September. This native plant thrives in partial sun conditions with moderate water needs and forms neat clumps 2-4 feet tall.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Pink Smartweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Obscure species unfamiliar to most homeowners
  • May appear weedy or unkempt to conventional gardeners
  • Limited availability makes it difficult to establish consistently

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and butterflies, providing nectar during the peak growing season. This plant supports pollinators when many other native flowers are also in bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Pink Smartweed need?
Pink Smartweed grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Pink Smartweed bloom?
Pink Smartweed blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Pink Smartweed native?
Pink Smartweed (Persicaria bicornis) is native to AR, CO, IA, IL and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pink Smartweed attract?
Pink Smartweed draws bees and butterflies.
Is Pink Smartweed HOA-friendly?
Pink Smartweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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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