Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > Is this plant a weed? > Broadleaf Weeds > Creeping > Prostrate Knotweed
Prostrate Knotweed
Polygonum aviculare L.
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Found in:
- Lawns, landscape beds, disturbed soils; common on compacted soils
Characteristics:
- Early germinating annual with wiry, mat-like growth habit
- Seedlings look almost grass-like
- Leaves are small, narrowly oval and blue-green in color, arise alternately along stem
- Each node (joint) has a swollen or knotted appearance with a papery tissue like structure (ochrea) surrounding the node
- Small white flowers appear June to late fall
- Long, thin tap root
Significance:
- Germinates early to mid-April and throughout spring
- Often considered an indicator plant for compacted soils
