Red Shank is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in water margins, cropland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 60cm.
Red Shank is a semi-erect, smooth plant with swollen nodes. Its leaves are elongated and pointed, with a dark marking near the centre, either side of the midrib. It bears dense clusters of tiny pink or cream flowers on short-stemmed, elongated spikes emerging from its stem nodes.
Botanic classification and naming: Red Shank is a member of the Knotweed (Polygonaceae) family. The genus name
'Persicaria' identifies the plant as a Knotweed and its species name 'maculosa' means 'spotted plant (leaves)'.
Benefits: Pollinated by several bee species.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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