Character

Persicaria
hydropiperoides

Persicaria
lapathifolia

Persicaria
maculosa

Persicaria
punctata

fruit with & without perianth

Perianth 5-lobed,
veins inconspicuous,
rarely glandular-punctate.
Fruit 3-sided,
surface minutely pitted.

Perianth 4(5)-lobed,
veins curved like an anchor at apex,
rarely glandular-punctate.
Fruit 2(3)-sided,
surface minutely pitted.

Perianth 4–5-lobed,

veins not curved at apex.
Fruit 2–3-sided,
surface minutely pitted.

Perianth 5-lobed,
veins (when visible) not curved at apex,
glandular-punctate.
Fruit (2)3-sided,
surface minutely pitted.

Character

Polygonum
aviculare

Rumex
acetosella

Rumex
conglomeratus

Rumex
crispus

fruit with & without perianth

Perianth 5-lobed,
veins not curved at apex.
Fruit (2)3-sided,
surface granular.

Perianth of 6 tepals,
without tubercles.
Fruit 3-sided,

apex acute,
margins obtuse.

Perianth of 6 tepals,
with large tubercles.
Fruit 3-sided,
apex acuminate,
margins acute,
base not stipitate.

Perianth of 6 tepals,
with large tubercle(s).
Fruit 3-sided,
apex acuminate,
margins acute,

base short-stipitate.