scatter knotweed
ExplorePlants
scatter knotweed
Polygonum spergulariiforme
Scatter knotweed is a small plant that grows close to the ground. It has tiny leaves and pretty flowers that can be found in fields and gardens, making it a lovely sight in nature.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The scatter knotweed is a low-growing plant with wiry, often reddish stems that spread across the ground. It has small, narrow, blue-green leaves and tiny, inconspicuous greenish-white to pinkish flowers clustered in the leaf axils, making it look like a mat.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusPolygonum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its name 'knotweed' comes from the swollen 'knots' on its stems!
People used to make green dye from the leaves of this plant!
Some tiny ants love to carry its seeds, helping spread them around!
This tough plant can grow right through cracks in sidewalks!
Special abilities
Ability
Ground Cover Power
Scatter knotweed has sprawling stems that form dense mats, helping it outcompete other plants for light and space.
Ability
Tough Seed Armor
Its tiny seeds are incredibly resilient, allowing them to survive harsh conditions and sprout even after years.
Ability
Fast Sprouter
Scatter knotweed can germinate and grow rapidly in disturbed areas, quickly taking advantage of open ground.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-30 cm
- Spread
- 30-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.1-0.3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to Fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits its tiny flowers for nectar and pollen.
eats
Fall Armyworm
Spodoptera frugiperda
Its caterpillars graze on the leaves and stems.
eats
American Goldfinch
Carduelis tristis
Feeds on the small seeds produced by the plant.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
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.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you're sure they're safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is scatter knotweed?
5-30 cm
How wide does scatter knotweed spread?
30-100 cm
How big are the flowers on scatter knotweed?
0.1-0.3 cm
When does scatter knotweed bloom?
Summer to Fall
Is scatter knotweed edible?
Yes
Is scatter knotweed toxic?
None
What is scatter knotweed's lifecycle?
Annual
How is scatter knotweed pollinated?
Insect
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