waterpepper, Persicaria hydropiper

Waterpepper does indeed have a peppery taste. It is also a little bitter, but has been widely used for seasoning and greens. In Japan they have developed a strain that is not bitter, and that and the sauces made from it are quite popular. Waterpepper has also been used as medicine, particularly in China. Waterpepper is native here and in temperate Eurasia and Australasia. We have it in every state except AZ and NM, and in BC, NB, NF, NS, ON, PE, QC, and SK. Lenawee Co MI, 9/12/15. Buckwheat family, Polygonaceae.