Polygonum arenastrum
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| Common knotweed | ||||||||||||||
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| Polygonum arenastrum Boreau |
Polygonum arenastrum (Common knotweed) is a summer annual weed that was introduced to the U.S from Europe. Known by many other names, such as mat grass, bird grass, stone grass, wiregrass, and door weed, as well as many others, Knotweed was first seen in North America in 1809 and is now seen throughout all of the United States.
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[edit] Appearance
Knotweed develops a deep tap root (it can be as deep as 18”), does well in compacted soil, and survives drought conditions. The numerous wiry stems grow out from the center of the plant giving it a mat-like appearance. The stems are very long and branching and grow in a zigzag form. The leaves are alternate, oblong, hairless, can be ½ to 2 ½ inches long, and are bluish-green in color. The leaf stalk is short and closely surrounded by papery stipules on each node. The stem nodes are slightly swollen and look somewhat like “knots,” thus its common name, knotweed. Flowers, with colors ranging from white to green, are inconspicuous, have no petals, and grow all along the stems. The sepals, however, are pinkish with white edges. Seeds are egg-shaped, dark reddish brown in color, and have a smooth shiny surface.
Some people mistake knotweed for Spotted spurge. An easy way to tell the difference is to break off a stem. Spurges contain milky sap; knotweed does not.
Since common knotweed does well in compacted soils, it is most commonly found in driveways, along roadsides and vacant lots, and in walkways, as well as in turf grass (where there is a lot of footpath wear) and in gardens.
[edit] Germination and spread
Common knotweed germinates at or near the soil surface in early spring, as soon there is enough moisture, and grows in an upright position before it spreads out like a mat. If mowed, it will still spread and can form a mat as big as 3 to 4 feet in diameter. The seeds, which grow low to the ground, survive mowing and are not disturbed when stepped on by people and animals.
Knotweed is a weed of “waste areas” but has been showing up in grain fields, where is becomes problematic because of its prolific seed production and long viability. It is also a host for other weeds such as beet curly top, and for viruses such as beet ring spot and powdery mildew.
[edit] Eradication
In the home garden, Common knotweed is easy to get of by hand pulling. Covering garden beds with landscaping fabric and then mulch is a good way to keep knotweed from taking over. If the seeds do germinate in the mulch cover, they are easy to remove. Herbicides are also an option. Premergent herbicides, those that prevent the seed from germinating, are effective, but the area must first be free of weeds for this type of herbicide to work. Post emergent herbicides, those that kill the growing plant by spraying the green leaves of the plant, may be effective if applied when the plant is very young.
To prevent this weed, aerate the soil and improve drainage, pull young weeds before they have a chance to set seed, put landscape fabric under your mulch, and try to set up foot traffic in such a way as to avoid compaction.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- Pest Notes. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Publication 7484
- Dickinson & Royer. Weeds of the Northern U.S. and Canada. Lone Pine Publishing. 1999.
