Plant Profile: Polygonum

Approximately 130 species of Knotweed, also known as Smartweed, have been identified, primarily thriving in disturbed, moist environments. These plants exhibit significant diversity, existing as either annuals or perennials, and are predominantly located in northern temperate regions across the globe. Many of these species are regarded as weedy. Indigenous varieties typically grow in shallow waters, often found in marshes, swamps, wet forests, or ditches. Their small flowers usually appear in terminal spikes.

In North Carolina, two native species are P. pensylvanicum and P. punctatum var. punctatum.