Pale Smartweed
Persicaria lapathifolia
Also listed as Polygonum lapathifolium, Polygonum nodosum
Also known as Pale Persicaria, Dockweed Smartweed, Pale Knotweed
Climate Match for your location
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A weedy annual with lance-shaped leaves and small pink or white flowers on compact spikes. Commonly found in disturbed areas and wet habitats.
Why grow it
Pale smartweed establishes quickly in wet or disturbed soils where many ornamental species struggle, making it useful for temporary erosion control or pioneer cover in restoration work. Its tolerance of poor drainage and compacted ground offers advantages over related Persicaria species in problem sites, though it lacks the ornamental appeal of cultivated smartweeds. The plant readily self-seeds, which suits short-term stabilization goals but requires management if longer-term composition matters.
Watch out for
This annual germinates prolifically in spring and can dominate a space if not thinned or managed; timing of removal or incorporation matters if you plan to replant the area. Mature plants can reach considerable density in favorable conditions, potentially crowding slower-establishing perennials.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eurasia
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A weedy annual with lance-shaped leaves and small pink or white flowers on compact spikes. Commonly found in disturbed areas and wet habitats.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pale Smartweed grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Pale smartweed establishes quickly in wet or disturbed soils where many ornamental species struggle, making it useful for temporary erosion control or pioneer cover in restoration work. Its tolerance of poor drainage and compacted ground offers advantages over related Persicaria species in problem sites, though it lacks the ornamental appeal of cultivated smartweeds. The plant readily self-seeds, which suits short-term stabilization goals but requires management if longer-term composition matters.
Watch out for
This annual germinates prolifically in spring and can dominate a space if not thinned or managed; timing of removal or incorporation matters if you plan to replant the area. Mature plants can reach considerable density in favorable conditions, potentially crowding slower-establishing perennials.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eurasia
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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