Jumpseed is a perennial, named for its seeds which can "jump" several feet when a ripe seedpod is disturbed.

[4] Like other Persicaria, jumpseed has alternate leaves, with fine-hairy stipular sheaths (ocrea) with bristle-fringed edges which often turn brownish.

Persicaria virginiana has a wide native range throughout most of eastern North America (from Ontario and Quebec, south to Florida, and west as far as Texas, Nebraska, and Minnesota/),[2][5][6] as well as Japan and the Himalayas.

[7][8] It naturally occurs in full to partial shade, on riverbanks, woods, cliffs, and rocks.

[8] The cultivated plant prefers medium to moist soil and full sun to part shade.