Family: Polygonaceae
curly-top knotweed, dock-leaved smartweed, heart's-ease, pale smartweed
[Polygonum incarnatum Elliott, more...]
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Kitty Kohout
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Persicaria: peach-like, the medieval name for knotweed
Plants: erect, annual, 2'-5' tall forb; stems with nodes either smooth or cut, but not hairy; taprooted
Leaves: alternate, variable but usually lance-like, often woolly beneath
Flowers: white-green to pink, 4- or 5-parted, 1/8" long, petals and petal-like sepals connected at the base; inflorescence many 1/3"-2" long, nodding, spike-like clusters on a stalk jointed at the top; blooms July-Sept.,
Fruits: dry seed flat or concave on both sides
Habitat: wet to moist; disturbed sites
Plants: erect, annual, 2'-5' tall forb; stems with nodes either smooth or cut, but not hairy; taprooted
Leaves: alternate, variable but usually lance-like, often woolly beneath
Flowers: white-green to pink, 4- or 5-parted, 1/8" long, petals and petal-like sepals connected at the base; inflorescence many 1/3"-2" long, nodding, spike-like clusters on a stalk jointed at the top; blooms July-Sept.,
Fruits: dry seed flat or concave on both sides
Habitat: wet to moist; disturbed sites
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 2, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Wetland Plants: Photos, descriptions, information Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Kitty Kohout
Botanical Illlustration
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration
