Common Name(s): | Swamp smartweed, Water pepper |
Scientific Name: | Polygonum hydropiperoides |
Family: | Polygonaceae |
Growth Traits: | Native, perennial, annual, warm season |
Description: One of many plants of this genus in this region. Smartweed can grow in shallow water or moist soil. It can grow to around 3 feet tall and has jointed stems that are wrapped in ocreae (sheath). Swamp smartweed has ocrea cilia (hairs
on top of the node sheaths) that are usually 0.1 to 0.2 inches long. The alternating leaves are lanceshaped and can grow to over 4 inches long. Flowers are spike-like and can be pink or white. The plant provides good habitat for
invertebrates, which are eaten by fish and waterfowl. Smartweed is an excellent waterfowl food, an important white-tailed deer food and a bobwhite food as well. |
Chemical Control Options: 2,4-D, glyphosate, imazamox, imazapyr, triclopyr or fluridone. |
Mechanical Control Options: Cutting is only temporarily effective because it regrows from roots and plant fragments. |
Biological Control Options: Goats probably control it. |