WSU Clark County Extension
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Giant Fleece Flower

Scientific name: Persicaria polymorpha
Taxonomy
Family:Polygonaceae
Type:Herbaceous perennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:5 ft
Width:5 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:May to September
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description With its robust summer growth and masses of fluffy white blooms, Giant Fleece Flower makes a welcome addition to the back of a flower bed.

  Morphology:
This herbaceous perennial grows to 5’ tall and as wide. It is a clump forming plant with lance-shaped dark green leaves. Unlike other members of the knotweed family, this species is not considered invasive.

Blooms consist of 5”-7” long creamy white, astilbe-like bouquets arranged in panacled racemes appearing over the summer from late May through September. As the flowers fade they take on a pink color and then reddish brown as the season ends. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers, while birds feast on the seed heads in the fall.

  Adaptation:
This plant does best in moist fertile soil with either full or partial sun. It deserves protection from strong winds. It is considered to be a drought tolerant perennial once fully established. It is tolerant of wet sites so it is well-suited to waterside plantings.

  Pests:
No serious insect or disease problems.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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