Common Knotweed

(Polygonum plebeium)

Common Knotweed (Polygonum plebeium)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 10" - 82"
High Temp. 82°F - 98°F
Low Temp. 39°F - 56°F

Summary

Polygonum plebeium, commonly known as common knotweed, is an annual herb that is native to Asia, Africa and Australia. It has also been introduced to the United States. This plant typically grows in disturbed sites, road sides, and waste areas within its native range. It has a sprawling habit and can reach a height of up to 60 cm. The leaves are small, oval to lance-shaped, and the plant produces tiny white to pinkish flowers from summer to early autumn. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they can form dense clusters that cover the plant.

Common knotweed is known for its ability to thrive in poor soils and its resilience to trampling, making it a tough ground cover in urban settings. It prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. In areas where it is not invasive, it may be used for erosion control or as a filler plant in tough urban environments.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Green, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Erosion Control, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to Asia, Africa and Australia, typically found in disturbed sites, road sides, and waste areas within its native range

Other Names

Common Names: Small Knotweed, Knotweed, Rupturewort, Common Knotgrass

Scientific Names: Polygonum plebeium, Avicularia indica, Persicaria minutiflora, Pleuropteropyrum minutiflorum, Polygonum alpestre, Polygonum alpestre, Polygonum anomalum, Polygonum aviculare, Polygonum aviculare var. minutiflorum, Polygonum changii

GBIF Accepted Name: Polygonum plebeium