GLOSSARY
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.
[Click on image to view plant details]
prostrate knotweed crossection, roots
prostrate knotweed nodes, leaves
prostrate knotweed
prostrate knotweed
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Characteristic
Type
Description
Growth Season
summer annual weed OR perennial weed
Growth Habit
prostrate, spreading
mat-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
white
white to pinkish in color