Tearthumb is a common name for a group of annual vining plants within the genus ''
Persicaria'', notable for the small, sharp spines covering the stems, which "tear the thumb", leading to the common name. The spines are used for climbing, and can puncture the leaves of plants being used as supports.
Species called tearthumb include:
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Persicaria arifolia'' (halberd-leaf tearthumb) – North America
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Persicaria perfoliata
''Persicaria perfoliata'' (basionym ''Polygonum perfoliatum'') is a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family. Common names include mile-a-minute, devil's tail, giant climbing tearthumb, and Asiatic tearthumb. It is a trailing herbaceou ...
'' (mile-a-minute) – Asia, introduced in North America
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Persicaria sagittata
''Persicaria sagittata'', common names American tearthumb, arrowleaf tearthumb, or arrowvine, is a plant species widespread in the eastern half of North America as well as in eastern Asia. It has been found in every state and province from Texas ...
'' (arrowleaf tearthumb) – North America
Persicaria
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