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Pinkweed

Common Name

Pinkweed

 Pennsylvania Smartweed

 Lady's Thumb Smartweed

 

Scientific Name

Polygonum pennsylvanicum L.

 Polygonum persicaria L.

 

Family

Buckwheat (Polygonaceae)

 

Plant Description

An annual plant reaching from 12-36 inches in height. Smartweeds are easy to distinguish because plants have reddish stems that are swollen at the leaf joints and have sheaths. Leaves are oriented in an alternate arrangement. Flowers occur during the months of June-August and are pink to purple in color. Lady's Thumb has a distinct fingerprint-like marking on the leaves.

 

Remarks

Smartweed is a common invader of newly planted beds and bare areas in established beds. Seed is introduced into beds when growers haul sand during bed renovations or in fall flood waters. The plant prefers moist, well drained soils.

 


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