Polygonum spp.
Smartweed
NATIVE
or
NON-NATIVE
(depending on region)
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Alternate and typically narrow elliptic leaf with smooth margins and sheaths extending upward toward leaf nodes
Credit: Kristie Gianopulos. Used with permission.
FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Members of this genus contain a leaf sheath, formed by stipules encircling the stem. The leaf sheath may be densely hairy. The bitter taste of these leaves are said to "smart," hence the common name, smartweed.
Description: Erect or somewhat trailing herb, rooting at lower nodes.
Leaves: Alternate, and typically narrow elliptic leaves with smooth margins and leaf sheaths (ocrea) extending upward from leaf nodes.
Flowers/Fruit: Small flowers in loose, terminal spikes, white to pink. Flowering and fruiting May/June to October/November.
Habit and Range: Marshes, lakes and pond shores throughout North Carolina.
Taxonomic Note: Many taxonomists now place smartweeds in the genus Persicaria.
Typical Max Plant Height (m):
0.5
Leaf Arrangement:
Alternate
Leaf Division:
Simple
Leaf Margin:
Entire
Leaf Shape:
Lance-shaped (Lanceolate),
Elliptic
Inflorescence Color:
White,
Pink
Fruit Color:
Brown
Lifespan:
Perennial,
Annual
Group:
Dicot
Family:
Polygonaceae / Smartweed
Ecoregions Found In:
Statewide
