Ladysthumb

Two dumb old women saw this weed in Sister Helen’s yard.  Sister Fleta and I  now know a lot more about Smartweed and Ladysthumb.  I'd rather be a smart-weed than a dumb-flower.  The flowers are tiny and range from white to red, with most being pink. They are members of the Buckwheat family.   There are lots of types of Smartweeds.  The one in  Dad’s old yard is called Ladysthumb.  Ladysthumb is identified by the thump print on each leaf.  If you look closely at each leaf you can see it.   These plants are called  Smartweed  because they have a sharp, peppery flavor and their plant juice will make your eyes tear.

Native Americans used the leaves in treatments of stomach pains and poison ivy. They also rubbed the plant on their horses as an insect repellant. The flowers attracts bees, wasps, and flies.  White-tailed deer chomp on it and the seeds are very popular with  songbirds.