Pennsylvania smartweed
EN

Pennsylvania smartweed

Persicaria pensylvanica

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persicaria_pensylvanica

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Pinkweed faces severe population declines primarily due to agricultural intensification and wetland drainage across its native range in eastern North America. Urban development and infrastructure projects have eliminated many of the seasonal wetlands and mudflats where this annual herb establishes. Competition from invasive plant species in disturbed habitats further reduces available growing space for natural recruitment.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pinkweed inhabits seasonal wetlands, mudflats, pond margins, and disturbed moist soils throughout eastern North America. This annual species requires periodic flooding followed by exposed muddy substrates for successful germination and establishment.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Polygonaceae

CR

Coccoloba acuna

Unknown
CR

Coccoloba cowellii

Unknown
CR

Coccoloba lindaviana

Unknown
CR

Coccoloba yaterensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pennsylvania smartweed classified as Endangered?
Pennsylvania smartweed is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Pinkweed faces severe population declines primarily due to agricultural intensification and wetland drainage across its native range in eastern North America. Urban development and infrastructure projects have eliminated many of the seasonal wetlands and mudflats where this annual herb establishes. Competition from invasive plant species in disturbed habitats further reduces available growing space for natural recruitment.
Where does Pennsylvania smartweed live?
Pennsylvania smartweed occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pennsylvania smartweed?
The main threats to Pennsylvania smartweed are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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