Family: Polygonaceae
common knotweed, door-yard knotweed, oval-leaf knotweed
[Polygonum aequale Lindm., more...]
Robert R. Kowal
Janice Stiefel
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Polygonum: derived from the Greek words polys, "many," and gonu, "knee or joint," hence "many joints" because of the thickened joints on the stem
Plants: matting, annual forb; stems with many branches, nodes 2-parted and becoming jagged
Leaves: alternate, bluish-green, all alike, mostly 2-5 times as long as wide, bases jointed
Flowers: white to pink-edged, 5-parted, petals and petal-like sepals joined at base, with flat or rounded tips, outer 3 not longer than the other 2; inflorescence small clusters from the leaf axils
Fruits: dark brown, dull, dry seed
Habitat: disturbed sites, sidewalks, streets
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: matting, annual forb; stems with many branches, nodes 2-parted and becoming jagged
Leaves: alternate, bluish-green, all alike, mostly 2-5 times as long as wide, bases jointed
Flowers: white to pink-edged, 5-parted, petals and petal-like sepals joined at base, with flat or rounded tips, outer 3 not longer than the other 2; inflorescence small clusters from the leaf axils
Fruits: dark brown, dull, dry seed
Habitat: disturbed sites, sidewalks, streets
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Flora of North America: Flora of North America USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Janice Stiefel
Janice Stiefel
Emmet J. Judziewicz
