This late summer plant is usually found in wet places: ditches edges of streams, lakes and reservoirs and boggy fields. The drooping flower heads are characteristic as is the taste. To me the peppery taste of the leaves doesn't kick in straight away but neither does it go away quickly either so take care munching these leaves.

P. hydropiper is common in England Wales and Ireland but uncommon only in the far north east of Scotland.

Wet field in Cheshire 11th August 2005

Added on September 27th 2005, updated 25th February 2011