The plants are called smartweed because they have a sharp, peppery flavor and their plant juice makes one's eyes run. The leaves are at least an inch in length although in a few cases they're much larger.

Can you eat smartweed?

The edible parts of Smartweed are both the leaves and stems either raw or better yet cooked to remove oxalic acid.

Is smartweed good for anything?

The entire plant is used to make medicine. People take smartweed tea to stop bleeding from hemorrhoids, as well as menstrual bleeding and other uterine bleeding. They also use it to treat diarrhea. Some people put smartweed directly on the skin to wash bloody wounds.