Spotted Lady's Thumb
Persicaria maculosa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Spotted Lady's Thumb (Persicaria maculosa) 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"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Spotted Lady's Thumb
Spotted Lady's Thumb is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Spotted Lady's Thumb is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Lady's thumb is a low-growing annual wildflower with small pink flower spikes that bloom from summer into fall. This native forb thrives in partial shade with moderate water needs and provides a naturalized groundcover effect.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spotted Lady's Thumb takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Has weedy appearance that most HOAs would reject
- Common name 'Lady's thumb' may be confused with invasive smartweeds
- Annual growth habit creates inconsistent coverage
Wildlife value
The small pink flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer and fall blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spotted Lady's Thumb need?
- Spotted Lady's Thumb grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Spotted Lady's Thumb bloom?
- Spotted Lady's Thumb blooms in July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Spotted Lady's Thumb attract?
- Spotted Lady's Thumb draws bees and beetles.
- Is Spotted Lady's Thumb HOA-friendly?
- Spotted Lady's Thumb takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Spotted Lady's Thumb? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.