Persicaria lapathifolia, commonly known as Pale Persicaria or Willow Weed, is an annual herb that typically grows to a height of 8-31 inches (20-78 cm). It features reddish stems, lanceolate leaves, and dense spikes of small, inconspicuous pink flowers that bloom in summer. This plant is native to a wide range of habitats including riparian zones, wetlands, and moist disturbed areas in both temperate and tropical regions of the Old and New Worlds. It is particularly common in areas with moist soils, such as riverbanks and marsh edges.

Pale Persicaria is known for its rapid growth and ability to colonize disturbed soils, making it useful for erosion control. However, its aggressive nature means it can become weedy in garden settings. It is often found in cultivated fields, where it can be a nuisance as a crop weed. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are moist. While not commonly grown for ornamental purposes, it can be used in wildlife gardens where its flowers attract pollinators. Care should be taken when planting Persicaria lapathifolia, as it can spread rapidly and may be considered invasive in some regions outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0