Prostrate Knotweed
ExplorePlants
Prostrate Knotweed
Polygonum aviculare
Prostrate Knotweed is a low-growing plant that spreads out along the ground. It has small green leaves and tiny flowers that can be white or pink. You can often find it in gardens and along paths.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Prostrate Knotweed is a low-growing plant with slender, sprawling stems that hug the ground. Its small, oval to lance-shaped leaves often have a slight blue-green tint and are clustered at the stem nodes, making it look like a dense, mat-like ground cover.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusPolygonum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its name, the stems don't actually tie themselves in real knots!
Its scientific name, *Polygonum*, means 'many knees' due to its jointed stems!
This plant’s tiny seeds can sprout after sleeping in the soil for over 80 years!
Young Prostrate Knotweed leaves are edible and taste a bit like spinach!
Special abilities
Ability
Soil Hugger
Prostrate Knotweed can spread a dense mat of stems and roots that helps it grip the soil tightly, preventing erosion.
Ability
Resilient Seeder
Prostrate Knotweed produces many small seeds that can remain viable in the soil for decades, helping it re-emerge.
Ability
Tough Root Anchor
Prostrate Knotweed has a strong taproot that helps it find water and nutrients even in compacted or disturbed soils.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-30 cm
- Spread
- 30-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.1-0.3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer-fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Self
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Provides nectar for visiting bees.
eaten by
Beet armyworm
Spodoptera exigua
Larvae feed on leaves and stems.
eaten by
House sparrow
Passer domesticus
Birds consume its small seeds.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before touching or picking plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Prostrate Knotweed?
5-30 cm
How wide does Prostrate Knotweed spread?
30-100 cm
How big are the flowers on Prostrate Knotweed?
0.1-0.3 cm
When does Prostrate Knotweed bloom?
Summer-fall
Is Prostrate Knotweed edible?
Yes
Is Prostrate Knotweed toxic?
None
What is Prostrate Knotweed's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Prostrate Knotweed pollinated?
Self
Snap Map
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