Common Name(s): | Willow smartweed, Pale smartweed, Curltop smartweed, Curlytop knotweed |
Scientific Name: | Polygonum lapathifolium |
Family: | Polygonaceae |
Growth Traits: | Introduced, annual, warm season |
Description: One of many plants of this genus in this region. Willow smartweed can grow in shallow water or moist soil. It can grow to around 6.5 feet tall and has jointed stems that are wrapped in ocreae (sheath). Willow smartweed has no ocrea cilia (hairs on top of the node sheaths). The alternating leaves are lance-shaped 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. Smartweeds are 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. |