Common Name: knotweed, prostrate
Species: Polygonum aviculare L.
Bayer Code: POLAV

Prostrate knotweed is a low-growing summer annual or perennial which is very competitive in compacted soils. It is often a problem along driveways, sidewalks, and beaten paths. The slender stems radiate from a central taproot and produce a tough mat-like growth. Leaves are dull, blue green, small, smooth and arranged alternately along the stem. This weed germinates with the first warm temperatures in the spring. Newly emerging seedlings are often mistaken for grasses in very early stages of development. 		prostrate knotweed
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prostrate knotweed crossection, roots
prostrate knotweed crossection, roots
prostrate knotweed nodes, leaves
prostrate knotweed nodes, leaves
prostrate knotweed
prostrate knotweed
prostrate knotweed
prostrate knotweed
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CharacteristicTypeDescription
Growth Season summer annual weed OR perennial weed 
Growth Habit prostrate, spreadingmat-forming
Leaflet Number one 
Leaf Margin smooth 
Leaf Hairs none 
Leaf/Leaflet Shape linear/oblong OR oval/egg-shaped/elliptical 
Leaf Width 1/2 - 1 inch 
Leaf Venation pinnate 
Leaf Arrangement alternate 
Root Type taproot 
Flower Color whitewhite to pinkish in color