An unpretentious and spectacular plant is the Sakhalin knotweed, which belongs to the genus Polygonum and has been known in cultivation for a long time, since the mid-19th century. But many people are still not familiar with this giant herbaceous perennial. Its distinctive feature, which led to its introduction into culture, is its rapid growth, which is why it was nicknamed Siberian bamboo. In a short time, the knotweed can reach a height of three meters and form dense thickets, behind which you can hide an unsightly building or a neighbor’s fence.
Figure 1. Sakhalin knotweed is a noble and unpretentious plant that can decorate any area.
The leaves of this plant are spectacular: dark green on top and pubescent below, oval in shape with a sharp tip, they reach a length of 30 cm. And by the end of summer, clusters of creamy-white flowers with a faint honey aroma appear on the tops of the shoots. Rice. 1. In winter, bare geniculate stems up to 3 cm thick protrude from the snow, resembling real bamboo.
How to care for the Sakhalin knotweed?
A newcomer from the south of Sakhalin and the Japanese Islands, the mountaineer, however, does not like extreme heat. Its natural habitats are wet ravines and stream beds. Therefore, when choosing a place to plant Siberian bamboo, one must take into account its tendency to high soil and air humidity. Suitable place in the garden, the shore of a reservoir, the surroundings of a stream passing through the area, or a damp lowland can become a place for giant grass.
With a lack of sunlight, the leaves of the Sakhalin knotweed will be small.
The lighting requirements of the Sakhalin knotweed are quite moderate: it can grow in bright sunlight, in partial shade, and even on the north side of a building. With a lack of light, its leaves will be slightly smaller and the inflorescences will not be as lush. And he is unlikely to reach his normal size. But in a place with sufficient or excess lighting, the giant will look great.
This plant is very demanding of soil fertility. In places where Sakhalin knotweed grows naturally, the soil is saturated with the remains of rotted plant parts and nutrients. The composition of these soils is close to the leaf soil of Russian broad-leaved forests. To achieve the full flowering of the knotweed, the plant must be fed with herbal compost, rotted manure, and watered abundantly. Planted near a compost heap, Siberian bamboo usually feels great and gives neighbors reason to wonder what kind of strange plant has appeared on the site.
For the winter, the mountaineer does not require shelter and tolerates low temperatures well even in the Siberian region.
Early growing green shoots may freeze during frosts. But even the completely dead above-ground part grows back with the onset of warm days.
Reproduction of Sakhalin buckwheat
Sakhalin knotweed easily tolerates low temperatures and does not require shelter in winter.
Knotweed seeds are similar to unhusked seeds buckwheat. This is not surprising, because they are relatives. The seeds are sown in March or early April in loose, fertile soil. After about 2 weeks, sprouts will appear. There is no need to pick up knotweed seedlings, so it is best to immediately sow large seeds at a distance of 10 cm from each other or 1-2 pieces in peat pots.
During the growth of seedlings, it must be fed 2-3 times with a complex fertilizer such as “Kemira” or another, diluting it in water according to the instructions. Planting of seedlings can be done only after the threat of return frosts has passed, around the beginning of June. After this, plant care consists of timely watering and fertilizing 1-2 times per season with complex fertilizers or organic matter.
Due to the fact that Sakhalin knotweed blooms late, in most regions of Russia its seeds do not have time to fully ripen. Therefore, propagation is most often carried out vegetatively: by dividing the bush or by root suckers. With sufficient moisture, cuttings take root very quickly and during the first year of growth they can produce a significant amount of green mass. This feature makes the knotweed a convenient plant for creating curtains and hedges near transparent fences.
When planting knotweed on a site, you must remember that it is an aggressive weed that can penetrate its roots to a depth of 2 meters. Therefore, decorative planting should be protected by limiters dug to the maximum possible depth. This can be sheet slate, plastic or similar materials that are resistant to destruction and corrosion.
Sakhalin knotweed leaves can be used as a pie filling.
The question is often asked about how to deal with Sakhalin knotweed if it gets out of control.
The population's complaints boil down to the fact that it is almost impossible to dig up the rhizomes of Siberian bamboo and the vine grows again in the area that has already been dug up. This is true.
The control method in the form of digging up the planting is ineffective for a simple reason: every small piece of rhizome that breaks off during weed control produces a new shoot. And loose soil contributes to its successful growth.
The correct way to destroy unnecessary growth is to mow or cut off the entire above-ground part of the plant as it grows, every 10=14 days. This inhibits the knotweed and does not allow it to accumulate enough nutrients in the rhizomes for a successful winter.
Use of knotweed for economic purposes
In addition to being exceptionally decorative, knotweed is considered a valuable vegetable plant. The population of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands eat young shoots and leaves of the plant. They have a pleasant sour taste and are very juicy. They can be used as a component of salads, for making soups or pie filling. The special cultural value of Sakhalin knotweed lies in the very early growth of young greenery. Comparable in taste and vitamin content to rhubarb and sorrel, Sakhalin knotweed is quite capable of replacing them when these plants are still dormant.
The large soft leaves of the plant are readily eaten by livestock, rabbits and birds. Just don’t overuse this vitamin food, as the high content of oxalic acid can adversely affect the kidney function of rabbits, goats and breeding cattle.
The green mass mowed during weed control can be fed to animals along with the stems. In the absence of livestock and poultry on the farm, immature soft stems with leaves make good compost. It is prepared in the usual way, but when using ready-made fertilizer, it may be necessary to add chalk or fluff lime to reduce its acidity. Mature stems from last year, which have to be cut in the spring, can serve as support for peas or similar plants. These hollow stems can be successfully used as the base for a warm bed. The porous layer will ensure a good flow of oxygen inside it.
Siberian bamboo, impressive in its power, has many faces. It can be a valuable additive to the diet of people and animals, and ornamental plant, and the worst weed, like its relative - alpine knotweed. Everything depends only on the attitude of the owner of the site to the beautiful creation of Far Eastern nature.
Aubert's knotweed is a perennial plant that is often grown at home or in a country plot. Some consider it a field grass. This is partly true, but the plant is widely used in landscape design. The main advantage of this flower is that it does not require special care or planting. Aubert's photo of the Highlander demonstrates his simplicity and pleasant sophistication. It is not surprising that this plant has won the hearts of many gardeners.
Description
The homeland of the mountaineer Aubert is considered to be the Far East, Siberia, China and Japan. It grows on rocky slopes, gravel and in mountainous areas. Today there are about 300 varieties of this plant. Among them there are annuals and in nature you can see subshrubs and vines. Aubert's knotweed grows in almost all parts of the world. At the same time, he can feel great both in the meadow and on the bank of the river, in the forest or in the highlands.
Appearance
This plant is distinguished by erect or prostrate stems, which may curl slightly. Aubert's knotweed has simple leaves. If we talk about the flowers, they are quite small, collected in few-flowered curls, although they are often collected in racemes. The fruit is a small nut containing up to 100 seeds.
The height of the perennial plant Aubert's knotweed can reach up to 30-40 cm. Sometimes long hairs can be seen on the grass trunk, and sometimes it remains completely bare - it all depends on the variety of the subspecies. The length of the leaf blades of the flower is about 2.5 centimeters. They are quite sharp and wedge-shaped in shape. Flowers are located at the tops of stems or branches. In this case, the inflorescences practically merge with the vegetative part of the stem. The perianth may be white or pink.
Disadvantages of the Highlander
Gardeners very often criticize the plant for being too aggressive, which manifests itself in the fact that the mountaineer very much “wants to live”, so it spreads across almost the entire suburban area. Sometimes it becomes impossible to control its growth: even if the planting of the Aubert knotweed is kept to a minimum, this does not change the situation.
In just one season, this plant can throw out new shoots several meters beyond the boundaries of 1 bush. This brings a lot of inconvenience, since in this case gardeners have to constantly weed out shoots that spread throughout the entire area. That is why the plant is not recommended to be planted in a small garden. The Highlander loves large spaces so that he has room to roam!
Aubert's Highlander: photo, planting and care
As was said at the very beginning of the article, knotweed does not require special growing conditions. Moreover, this feature applies to all types of plants. The same applies to other characteristics and properties of the flower.
If we talk about the winter hardiness of the Aubert knotweed, it is worth noting that it is perfectly capable of adapting to cold conditions, so it is ideal for growing in harsh climates. Among other things, this plant grows and develops well in partial shade and is not negatively affected by high air humidity.
However, like any other plants, it is best planted in more fertile and moist soils. Loamy soil is considered the best. Just look at the photo of the Aubert knotweed to understand how well it can grow in such fertile soil.
If we talk about oxidation, it is better to choose slightly acidic or neutral soil. Pests do not bother this plant, which looks very much like a huge weed. By the way, this is why it is often called knotweed. This name “clung” to it due to its amazing ability to spread over large territories in a minimum amount of time.
Special Preferences
Aubert's knotweed, planting and caring for which is not particularly difficult, is quite unpretentious. But the plant can be pampered. To do this, it is best to plant it on neutral soil. By the way, this unusual weed loves those areas of the garden in which there is a large presence of groundwater located as close to the surface as possible. The only exception is the splayed knotweed. This subspecies, on the contrary, prefers dry land with moderately moist soil.
Secrets of caring for the Aubert Highlander
When planting, it is worth considering that during the summer it needs to be provided with moderate watering. If the groundwater in the soil is too low, it is recommended to water the plant as often as possible. If necessary, the knotweed can be fertilized, but even without this it will bear fruit perfectly.
Highlander tolerates drought well, but excessive waterlogging makes it feel uncomfortable.
Remember that young plants do not tolerate frost quite well, so they need to be covered for the winter. If severe cold sets in in the fall and the leaves of the knotweed die, then its stems must be cut off immediately. Sometimes the foliage of a plant begins to turn yellow with the arrival of autumn, so upon arrival at a suburban area in the spring, it is worth removing all brown and wilted leaves.
Reproduction methods
By and large, this plant does not need artificial propagation, since it grows well on its own. However, if such a need nevertheless arises, you can use any of four methods: use seeds, cuttings, dividing the rhizome or bush.
Keep in mind that each subspecies has its own preferences. As a rule, seeds should be sown in late spring immediately after frosts have subsided. In this case, the seeds can either be immediately placed in the ground, or they can be pre-germinated in boxes.
If we talk about Aubert's knotweed, this plant prefers cuttings. Let's take a closer look at the features of this procedure.
Cuttings of knotweed
Cuttings can be performed both in spring and summer. Plants must be planted at a distance of 20 to 60 cm from each other. It should be borne in mind that replanting new shoots is often not required. By the way, in one area they can live up to 10 years.
In order to perform the cutting procedure, it is necessary to prepare the source material. Branches with at least two nodes should be used as shoots. Also, the cuttings must be treated with Kornevin.
After this, you need to prepare the bed that needs to be insulated. You need to make sure that the temperature of the earth is slightly higher than the environment. In this case, the rooting of the new plant will occur much faster. In order to organize high-quality insulation, it is necessary to place a little horse manure at the base of the ridge, sprinkle it on top with fertile soil and sand mixed with peat in equal proportions.
Landing is quite simple. The lower node of the prepared cutting must be buried 1-2 cm into the ground, then covered with polyethylene or other material in order to create the necessary microclimate around the plant. For winter, plants must be dug up and stored at a temperature of no more than +2 °C. After this, the finished shoots can be safely planted in the spring.
On a note
As has already been said many times, this plant spreads quite actively throughout the countryside, but there is a special trick that can help you avoid aggressive occupation of fertile territory. To do this, it is necessary to create limiters up to 30 cm deep around the knotweed.
Please note that in conditions of severe drought, or, conversely, high humidity, flower clusters may form on plant stems. In this case, the plant will look a little more modest and graceful in appearance.
If we talk about the root system of the knotweed, it is characterized by increased creeping, so the flower spreads not only above the ground, but also below it. That is why it is necessary to weed not only the upper parts of unwanted shoots, but also thin out their rhizomes. However, this disadvantage can turn into an advantage if you need to quickly green up an unsightly garden plot.
This plant is very popular among landscape designers, as with its help you can very quickly create decorative fences and other living fences.
Procurement and storage
As a rule, it is customary to collect highlander from the second ten days of June until the end of autumn. It is advisable to perform this procedure during a period of drought, at the moment when the plant begins to bloom. To do this, it is necessary to separate all excess parts from the knotweed and dry it in the open air. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight.
It is best to dry the plant in the attic. In this type of room there is enough fresh air, and the sun does not dry it out. If necessary, special drying devices can be used. In this case, the temperature should be set no higher than 45-50 °C. Ready shoots are stored in woven bags or cardboard boxes. This is how highlander retains all its properties for almost two years. After such a long period of storage, it is not recommended to use dried herbs.
Use of knotweed in everyday life
According to reviews, Aubert's knotweed is successfully used as a healthy feed for livestock. This plant has a huge amount of nutrients, so it is used along with clover and alfalfa.
In ancient times, the above-ground parts and roots of plants were used to give fabrics a yellow tint. Today, this unique plant is used in the production of wine or liqueurs. If you are talking about cooking, then young knotweed is suitable for making salads or cooking vitamin soups. In some Central Asian countries, knotweed is used as a filling for pies, and some nationalities use this herb to clean dishes.
Medicinal properties
Polygonum contains a huge amount of tannins, silicon and ascorbic acids, carotene. Thanks to this, the herb is considered healing. It is used in the treatment of inflammatory processes occurring in the stomach, liver and kidneys.
also in folk medicine Polygonum tincture is widely used. It is used to remove stones from urolithiasis. In addition, this plant is actively used in the form of decoctions, powder, tinctures, extracts, etc. Scientists have proven that this unpretentious plant has a lot of useful properties.
Use in folk medicine
Aubert's knotweed is widely used in folk medicine. As a rule, it is used to improve digestion. In this case, the rhizomes of the plant are poured with alcohol in equal proportions and infused.
Knotweed is widely used for ear diseases. In this case, knotweed is used. In addition, it is used for a number of many medical procedures, as it has a huge number of positive properties.
What types of knotweed are often grown in suburban areas?
In addition to Aubert's knotweed, other varieties of grass are also grown in the gardens. Very often you can see a related knotweed in a suburban area. Externally, this plant is characterized by its short stature; as a rule, it spreads slightly along the ground. You can also find double-twisted knotweed, which is also called its homeland, Japan, China and the Himalayas. It is also suitable for growing in harsh climates.
All varieties of this plant are distinguished by their attractive appearance and unique unpretentiousness. They can be successfully used as components of a design composition or as separately planted plants. In addition, Aubert's knotweed vines tolerate pruning very well, so you can give the plant any shape. All procedures for the decorative formation of a grass carpet can be carried out at any time of the year. Highlander is distinguished by its enormous vitality, therefore such procedures do not have a negative impact on it. However, do not forget to promptly limit its growth. Otherwise, in a few years this plant will fill the entire area and crowd out other flowers, so take care of at least minimal care - Aubert's knotweed is very aggressive in growth.
Botanists around the world have not yet come to a consensus on what Latin name to assign to this plant as a generic name. In various publications, the mountaineer from the Buckwheat family is called Persicaria, Reynotria, Fallopia, Tovara, most often Polygonum. The last name comes from the Greek “polys” - many, “gonos” - knee, this term is assigned to the plant for its geniculate, knotty stem.
Knotweed - decorative flower
There are approximately 300 species of knotweed. More often it is a herbaceous, annual or perennial plant, less often a liana or subshrub. It has spread widely across the globe, growing in forests, on river banks, meadows and highlands.
Stems are prostrate or erect, occasionally climbing. The leaves are alternate, simple. Small flowers are collected in racemes or paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a nut with many seeds.
The knotweed is interesting due to its surprisingly diverse species and prevalence under a wide variety of conditions. natural conditions. You may encounter it on the street in a village in the form of ant grass, or it can create three-meter thickets of Sakhalin buckwheat. It grows modestly near swamps and lakes, or can proudly stretch out as a 15-meter vine that quickly entwines buildings, hedges, and trees growing in the neighborhood.
About 20 species of this amazing plant are used in decoration. It is quite unpretentious, grows successfully in different zones, tolerates pruning well and maintains its decorative appearance all season long.
Decorative plant species
Alpine knotweed
Polygonum alpinum grows wild in the mountain meadows and mixed-grass steppes of the Northern Hemisphere in the temperate zone. It grows into a powerful spreading bush one and a half meters high. Numerous stems are branched in the upper part. The foliage is lanceolate-ovate. The roots are strongly creeping, cord-like.
It blooms very profusely in mid-summer. numerous, in large panicles. Highlander is frost-resistant and does not need shelter for the winter.
The plant is a weed, aggressive, unpretentious, but very decorative. It is good to plant it near outbuildings and fences. Looks beautiful in cut bouquets.
Ayansky knotweed
Aconogonon ajanense grows in Japan, Siberia, the Far East, and China. It can be seen on gravelly screes, rocky slopes in the subalpine and alpine mountain belts.
The plant is perennial, reaches 40 cm in height. The stem is erect, with spreading branches, covered with short hairs, sometimes with the addition of long hairs. The leaves are elliptical, pointed, broadly wedge-shaped at the base. They grow on short petioles, can be hairy, sometimes glabrous. The flowers form clusters located at the tops of the branches and the main stem.
Perianths are pinkish or white.
Knotweed lingonberry
Polygonum vaccinifolium is native to the Himalayas. It is a herbaceous creeping perennial that grows up to 15 cm.
Forms large groups. At the end of summer it blooms with a small pink color. Flowers are collected in dense inflorescences.
Quite frost-resistant, but requires protection from moisture in winter.
Weyrich Highlander
You can see Polygonum weyrichii in the wild on the grassy slopes of the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and Japan. Forms powerful thickets up to 2 m high. The stems are branched, the leaves are oval, elongated, sessile. Cord-like roots are creeping. Blooms at the end of summer. The racemose inflorescences consist of very small, inconspicuous white flowers. Knotweed is winter-hardy and does not require shelter.
The plant is very unpretentious, although it prefers rich loam soils. It’s good to use it to decorate fences and outbuildings.
Knotweed viviparous
Polygonum viviparum grows in Europe, North America, and Asia. It grows in swamps and marshy meadows, in mountains and forests.
The plant is perennial, about 50 cm tall. The erect stem is simple, glabrous. The leaves are flat, sometimes with curled edges, and the leaf blades are hard. At the root, the foliage is elliptical, pointed, round or wedge-shaped at the base, the petioles are longer than the blades. Stem leaves are linear, on short petioles. The inflorescences are loose and narrow. The perianth is pale pink or white. The fruits are triangular.
Viviparous knotweed blooms in June. Sometimes, instead of flowers, small bulbs are formed, thanks to which the plant multiplies quickly.
Eastern knotweed
India became the birthplace of Polygonum orientale. This species is annual, herbaceous, rather tall (up to 2 m). It blooms with small red flowers, collected in drooping paniculate inflorescences. Grows well in nutritious, deeply cultivated, moist soils.
The species is propagated by sowing seeds in spring (in May) immediately to a permanent place. In addition to decorating fences and walls, they are used to create a background when creating mixborders.
Capitate knotweed
Polygonum capilatum is little known, but at the same time it is a very elegant annual plant that has a rare quality among summer plants - it can quickly cover the soil.
The plant is thermophilic, grows well in sunny places, loves moisture. In partial shade, the color of the leaves becomes less decorative.
The knotweed branches abundantly, spreads, and grows small - 15 cm in height. The leaves are medium-sized, with reddish stripes and spots. The inflorescences are small, round, collected from small light pink flowers located above the leaves. Knotweed is decorative from June until frost.
Propagates well by seeds and cuttings. Sow seeds in March for seedlings in pots. After 10-14 days, shoots will appear. It is better to plant in open ground in early June, spacing the sprouts 15-20 cm apart. When the soil dries out, water. During the growth period, feed the plant 2-3 times.
Knotweed can be used to form a beautiful border, as it tolerates pruning well.
You can also plant it in an empty space in a mixborder, in a garden vase, from where the shoots will hang beautifully.
Highlander changeable
Polygonum polymorpha is native to East Asia. This is a very unusual plant - a large, luxurious perennial bush, growing up to 2 m. The stems are straight, strong, hollow, highly branched at the top. The root system is very powerful, going to a depth of 30 cm. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate. The inflorescences are huge, paniculate, complex, formed from small white flowers with a spicy aroma. The plant blooms in June and continues to bloom until mid-August. Fluffy panicles remain decorative for a long time.
The highlander is changeable and unpretentious; it does not need to be covered in winter; it grows well on any soil.
Highlander related
Polygonum affine is native to Nepal, Himalayas. This species is perennial, herbaceous, reaching 25 cm in height. The stems rise. The leaves are oval-lanceolate or oblong, evergreen. In dense spike-shaped inflorescences up to 10 cm long, the flowers are pale pink, small, and darken towards the end of flowering to a pinkish-red hue. The related knotweed remains decorative after flowering thanks to its fruits and leaves that acquire a dark red color.
Beautiful decorative varieties:
- Darieeling Red – with deep pink flowers;
- Donald Lowndes - with a pink-red tint of flowers.
The related knotweed prefers shady places, but grows well in full sun. Not picky about soils, just doesn’t like them to become acidic. If the areas are well drained, it develops well. It is drought-resistant and does not tolerate stagnant groundwater.
Frost-resistant, but does not tolerate snowless winters very well. For prevention, it is better to cover with coniferous spruce branches. Overwintered leaves need to be shaded in the spring.
Knotweed is excellent for ground cover groups, planting on wide terraces in rocky gardens. Can also be used for cutting and creating dry bouquets.
Decorative when decorating the coastal zones of small reservoirs when planted next to low perennials and bulbous plants. Forms a dense green carpet; elegant inflorescences go well with medium-sized hostas, astilbes, and Virginia Tradescantia. It should be taken into account that, growing strongly on fertile soils, knotweed can suppress species that are less hardy.
Highlander splayed
Polygonum divaricatum originated in Mongolia, China, and the Far East. This species is perennial, has many stems up to one and a half meters high, with brownish bark. The leaves are lanceolate, the upper ones are up to 6 cm long, the lower ones are longer - up to 10 cm. The small flowers are whitish, collected in highly branched dense panicles. Due to its wide branching, the highlander received its name.
Sakhalin knotweed
Polygonum sachalinense is otherwise called Sakhalin buckwheat. It grows respectively in the south of Sakhalin, and is also found in the Kuril Islands and Japan.
It is a herbaceous plant, perennial, with creeping roots. The stems are hollow, straight, strong, up to 3 m, brown or green. The foliage is large, the leaf blade is about 20 cm wide and 30 cm long, broadly oval, on a short petiole. Whitish-cream flowers small size form 20-centimeter paniculate inflorescences. Sakhalin knotweed blooms in July. The fruit is a dark brown triangular nut.
Sakhalin knotweed is grown for decorating and camouflaging outbuildings and forming thickets. At the same time, keep in mind that it is growing rapidly, its development must be restrained, since the Sakhalin giant is capable of capturing large territories. Usually it is enough to dig limiters to a depth of 30 cm.
Knotweed
The mountain meadows of the Himalayas became the homeland of Polygonum amplexicaule. This bushy perennial plant has straight, tall stems (up to 1.2 m), wide lanceolate leaves that turn yellow in autumn. The decoration of the bush is bright spikelets-inflorescences that appear in mid-July and turn red until the end of summer. The rhizome is powerful, grows horizontally, develops slowly, and the bush grows quite compactly.
When you plant candle-shaped knotweed, deepen the rhizome buds 8-10 cm from the surface of the ground to protect them from freezing. In the fall, insulate the bush by covering it with earth and covering it with lutrasil.
Spectacular varieties of this mountaineer are used in decoration:
- Album – the color of the inflorescences is white;
- High Society – crimson flowers;
- Roseum - accordingly has pink flowers;
- Jo and Guido’s form – can “boast” of large beautiful scarlet flowers;
- Inverleith is a dwarf plant with bright red inflorescences.
Virginia knotweed
Polygonum virginianum is a very unusual and beautiful perennial. It has multi-colored foliage, for which it is valued in decorative landscaping. The greenish-white flowers appear late in the summer and do not add any significance.
To form bright decorative foliage, it is recommended to plant in sunny places, allowing light partial shade. It tolerates drought well, but it is better to keep the soil moist.
To achieve the greatest effect, it is better to plant in large groups.
Different varieties differ in foliage color:
- Lance Corpora - leaves are yellowish-green with rich red-brown spots in the center;
- Painter's Palette - variegated leaves with black and red markings and white stripes. In late summer, airy stems with a large number of red beaded flowers appear, which adds to the showiness of the shrub.
Small-headed knotweed "Red Dragon"
The Red Dragon (Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’) originated in China. It is actively used in floriculture, as it is not aggressive, unlike its relatives, it grows slowly and does not form seeds.
The perennial plant measures 90 cm in height and width. Dark red shoots appear in early spring; heart-shaped, pointed, beautiful leaves of a plum-red color with a metallic sheen bloom on them. The foliage is velvety and looks impressive on red stems. In summer it becomes greener, while retaining the red edge and tricolor silver-green-brown coloring. On hot nights, the color of the leaves is not so bright and saturated. The flowers that bloom in August-September are small, white, and have no decorative value.
Polygonum is undemanding to conditions and soils, and even grows on heavy clay. Although it prefers moist soils, it can adapt well to dry conditions.
In winter, it is advisable to cover in severe frosts.
In ornamental gardening, it is good to plant in a group with plants with silver foliage and yellow flowers.
The recently grown variety "Silver Dragon" differs from the "Red Dragon" in having more silvery leaves with a red edge.
Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum Persicaria japonica), despite its name, came from East Asia. It is listed as a weed in Washington State (USA).
There are 2 common varieties:
- Variegata. In spring, this variety has leaves with shoots of a bright coral color, slowly changing to green with many white spots that merge into entire sectors, all this gives it a fantastic look. Sometimes you get plants with creamy white leaves.
For good development of the bush, constant foliar feeding is required, since there is not enough chlorophyll. The bushes are stable, compact, and do not need to be tied up. Loves partial shade and good soil moisture. Over the summer it grows up to 120 cm, in winter the shoots die off completely.
- Japanese knotweed compact. It is distinguished by bright purple petioles, stems and leaf veins. The leaves of a young plant are purple, then turn green, leaving a crimson edging along the edge, which disappears closer to autumn. The compact knotweed looks beautiful during the flowering period: light coral flowers are then replaced by bright crimson fruit boxes.
Sakhalin knotweed (video)
Aubert's Highlander
Polygonum aubertii is native to Western China. This is a shrubby vine, low and climbing. The trunk becomes slightly woody, the shoots even less.
The leaves are ovate, with wavy edges, initially reddish, later bright green.
Numerous racemes formed in the upper part of the shoots consist of greenish-pale, sometimes pink, small flowers. Forms a fluffy blooming continuous wall. The fruits are inconspicuous, whitish, small.
The plant is propagated by seeds. It grows well in fertile, moderately moist soils and can grow in partial shade. In winter, during frosts, the above-ground part dies off, then quickly grows back.
In ornamental gardening, it is highly valued for its dense, bright green foliage; it is planted to create low hedges, and the lower part of walls is planted with knotweed.
Baljuan knotweed
Polygonum baldschuanicum is also called Baldschuani buckwheat. He came from Central Asia. It is a vine with stems growing up to 15 m.
Young shoots are green, smooth, becoming gray with age.
The broadly oval leaves are pointed, spear-shaped or heart-shaped at the base, light green. The white flowers have a pinkish-lilac tint, they are small in size, collected in fairly large paniculate inflorescences. Sometimes it blooms twice: in May-June and September-October.
Perennial rhizomatous plants with basal and stem oblong-oval leaves. The flowers are collected in racemes at the tops of the stems.
General information about knotweed
knotweed (polygonum), buckwheat family.
Number: About 300 species.
Place of Origin: Common in warm temperate and tropical regions of the northern hemisphere and South America.
Use: In low hedges, in landscaping the lower parts of walls. Valued for its bright green, dense foliage.
And also in small groups in the foreground of the flower bed, on the edge of the pond.
Flowering: Flowering in summer.
Varieties of knotweed
Related knotweed (Polygonum affine)
Mountain meadows of Nepal.
The height of the peduncles is up to 30 cm. The flowers are pink-crimson, collected in cylindrical racemes. Light. Loose soils without stagnant water. Forms dense clumps.
Alpine knotweed (Polygonum alpestre)
A perennial plant with a woody, multi-headed dark brown rhizome. The stems are numerous, prostrate, densely leafy, with shortened internodes, 5-25 cm long. The leaves are ovate-oblong, with a small pointed point, about 2 cm long and up to 8 mm wide, very short-petiolate, rough along the edge due to the presence of unicellular villi, reduced towards the end of the branches, but longer than the flowers. The perianth is 5-7 mm long, the flesh is red or pink, with deeply incised lobes. The achene is about 3.5 mm long, oval-triangular, shiny.
Distribution: Caucasus (Dagestan, East and South Transcaucasia, Talysh), Asia Minor, Western Iran.
Mountain knotweed (Polygonum alpinum)
It grows wild in forb steppes and mountain meadows in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Grows into powerful spreading bushes up to 150 cm tall. The stems are numerous, branched at the top. Leaves are lanceolate-ovate. The rhizome is cord-like, strongly creeping. It blooms very profusely in mid-summer. The flowers are numerous, white, collected in large dense panicles. Winter-hardy without shelter. An extremely unpretentious, aggressive, but very ornamental weed. Good for planting near outbuildings and fences. Interesting in a cut.
Buckwheat (Polygonum ammanioides)
A perennial plant with a woody, often thick rhizome. The stems are numerous, elongated, recumbent, densely leafy, with shortened internodes. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, up to 1.5 cm long and 3 mm wide, rough along the edges, short-petiolate, longer than the internodes. The bells are oval-lanceolate, transparent white. Perianth with large lobes, equal in length to the peduncle. The flowers are in the axils of the leaves in dense balls. The achene is about 3 mm long, triangular, pointed, shiny. Distribution: Caucasus (Pre-Caucasian, East and South Transcaucasian, Talysh), Iran.
Amphibian knotweed (Polygonum amphibium /Persicaria amphibia)
Perennial. The amphibian knotweed has a long, rooting stem without branches. Dense oblong leaves float on the surface of the water. A spike-shaped inflorescence of bright pink flowers protrudes above the water. Amphibian knotweed blooms from mid-summer to autumn. This plant has two forms that are so different in appearance that they can be mistaken for different plants. The floating species settles in ponds, lakes, rivers, sometimes at quite great depths. The leaves of this plant are smooth, with long reddish petioles, with crescent-shaped bases. The terrestrial form is found in wet meadows, along river banks, and also as a weed in fields and vegetable gardens. The plant is completely covered with short, stiff hairs. The leaves have a small petiole and no notch at the base. Terrestrial knotweeds almost never bloom. The inflorescence of the amphibian knotweed resembles the pink inflorescence of its close relative, the snakeweed knotweed.
Candleweed knotweed (Polygonum amplexicaule)
Homeland Himalayas. Mountain meadows.
Perennial bushy plant. The stems are straight, 80-120 cm high. The leaves are wide, lanceolate, green, yellow in autumn. The inflorescences are ruby-red, in long, tightly pressed spikes. Blooms in late August - September.
Sandy knotweed (Polygonum arenarium)
An annual plant, with spreading, branched, recumbent stems, 15-30 cm long. The bells are funnel-shaped, with 6 or less veins, transparent at the top, white, torn. Leaves are up to 2.5 cm long, 0.5 mm wide, few in number, linear-lanceolate, sharp, single-nerved. The inflorescence is a multi-branched leafless raceme with 1-3 arranged flowers. The perianth is 2-3 mm long, whitish or pinkish, bell-shaped or funnel-shaped, wide open, with rounded lobes. The achene is 2 mm long, triangular, dark brown, smooth, sitting openly. Distribution: Caucasus (Pre-Caucasian, Eastern, Western and Southern Transcaucasian), European part (Middle Dnieper, Black Sea, Lower Don), Central Europe (south only), Balkan Peninsula, Asia Minor.
Silver knotweed (Polygonum argyrocoleum)
An annual plant with widely spread twig-like, branched, furrowed, usually erect, strong stems, 30-90 cm tall, with elongated internodes. The bells are short, with dark brown bases, silvery at the top, with chopped off, later fringed, upper edges. Leaves are 1-4 cm long, 4-8 mm wide, lanceolate, acute, with one vein, narrowed at both ends, falling off early. An inflorescence of long, leafless, intermittent, twig-like racemes, with 1-3 flowers, on thin pedicels. The perianth is about 2 mm long, bell-shaped, bright pink or whitish. The achene is about 2 mm long, smooth, shiny, enclosed in a perianth.
Distribution: Caucasus (Pre-Caucasian, East and South Transcaucasian, Talysh), Central Asia (Aral-Caspian, Balkhash, Kara-Kum), Turkish Armenia, Kurdistan.
Aubert's knotweed (Polygonum aubertii)
Homeland - Western China.
A low climbing shrubby vine. The trunk is not very woody. The shoots are slightly woody. The leaves are ovate, up to 4-9 cm long, spear-shaped at the base, wavy along the edges, bright green when mature and reddish when young. The flowers are small, up to 5 mm in diameter, whitish or greenish-white, sometimes slightly pinkish, collected in numerous racemes in the upper part of the shoots. Blooms in summer. The fruits are inconspicuous, small, whitish, ripen in late summer - early autumn. In culture since the end of the 19th century.
Propagated by sowing seeds. Prefers fertile, moderately moist soils, tolerates partial shade. In central Russia, the above-ground part sometimes dies off in winter, but quickly grows to a height of 2-3 m. No pests or diseases were noted. Used in low hedges and in landscaping the lower parts of walls. Valued for its bright green, dense foliage.
Bird knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)
An annual plant, with straight, ascending or recumbent, densely leafy stems, 15-40 cm long. The leaves are broadly spatulate, broadly elliptic or inversely oval-oblong, less often narrowly oblong or almost linear, on the branches they differ little from those on the stem. Flowers 1-5 in the axils of the leaves, not close to the ends of the branches. Perianth separate to the middle, equal to or 11/2-2 times longer than the tube; its lobes are greenish, with white or pink edges. The achene is 2 (3) mm long, triangular, with an oval base, usually black.
Distribution: Caucasus (almost all), European part, Western and Eastern Siberia, Far East, Central Asia.
Baldzhuan knotweed / Baldzhuan buckwheat (Polygonum baldschuanicum / Bilderdykia baldschuanicum / Fallopia baldschuanica)
Homeland - Central Asia.
Liana, stems reach 15 m in length. Young shoots are smooth, green, older shoots are gray. The leaves are broadly oval or oval up to 10 cm long, pointed, heart-shaped or spear-shaped at the base, smooth, light green, on petioles up to 3.5 cm long. The flowers are white with a pinkish-lilac tint, small, 0.6-0.8 cm in diameter, collected in large, up to 20 cm long, terminal paniculate inflorescences from branched lateral shoots. Blooms in May-June, secondary flowering is possible in September-October. In the middle zone, it freezes to the level of snow cover, but grows wildly. Propagated by seeds and green cuttings. Recommended for vertical gardening in the southern regions of Russia.
Snake knotweed (Polygonum bistorta)
A domestic perennial species that grows in the meadows of the temperate zone of Eurasia.
Perennial up to 1-1.5 m in height. It grows up to 50-90 cm. The basal leaves have an oblong-ovate shape up to 30 cm long and 7-8 cm wide. Pink cylindrical long inflorescences up to 2-6 cm long. Blooms in June. Sun-loving. It grows in moist soils and is used to decorate the banks of ponds. Prefers humus loams. Winter-hardy without shelter. Looks great in a natural garden.
Knotweed (Polygonum capitatum)
An elegant, but little-known annual plant has a rare quality among annual plants - it quickly covers the soil. Highlander is heat-loving, moisture-loving, and grows well in the sun. When grown in partial shade, the leaves acquire a less decorative color. A strongly branched, creeping plant 10–15 cm high, with medium-sized leaves with reddish stripes and spots on a green background. Small round inflorescences with a diameter of 1 - 1.5 cm are collected from small light pink flowers and are located slightly above the leaves. Decorative from June until the first frost. Propagated by seeds. 1 g contains 1300 - 1400 seeds; to obtain 100 plants you need 0.2 - 0.3 g of seeds. Seeds are sown for seedlings in March - April in pots. Shoots appear in 10 - 14 days. They are planted in open ground in early June at a distance of 15-20 cm. Watering is needed when the soil dries out. Fertilizing is carried out during the growth period with complex fertilizers 2-3 times. Not demanding of care. You can make a beautiful border from knotweed (it tolerates pruning well), plant it in a mixborder in an empty space, in a garden vase or container where the shoots will hang a little.
Red knotweed (Polygonum carneum)
A perennial plant with a thick, short, sometimes tuberous rhizome. The stem is 30-60 (100) cm tall, straight, grooved, triangular. The lower leaves are on long petioles, oblong-ovate or oblong-lanceolate, often cordate or cut at the base, the upper ones are sessile, lanceolate or sometimes linear, stem-encompassing, all with more or less sparse hairs on the lower side. The bells are membranous, brownish, short, and often bipartite at the top. The inflorescence is a wide-cylindrical, dense apical spike, without bulbs. Perianth pink, deeply five-parted, shorter than the peduncle, achene up to 5 mm long, sharply triangular, shiny.
Distribution: Caucasus (all except Talysh), Balkan Peninsula, Asia Minor, Kurdistan, Turkish Armenia.
Caspian knotweed (Polygonum caspicum)
A perennial or biennial plant with several recumbent stems, branching from the root collar, some short, up to 7 cm long, some long, straight, not branched, finely grooved, up to 60 cm long. The bells are wide, pale brown, comb-torn. The leaves are glaucous, oblong, with strongly prominent pinnate veins below, slightly leathery, longitudinally wrinkled above. Flowers are 1-2 in the leaf axils, on short stalks, narrow, with green perianth lobes edged with pink, half as long as the leaves. The achene is about 2 mm long, triangular, dark brown, with finely tuberculate edges. Distribution: Caucasus.
Convolvulus knotweed (Polygonum convolvulus)
An annual plant with a climbing, furrowed, short-hairy stem up to 1 m long. The leaves are on long petioles, triangular-ovate or oblong-ovate, deeply heart-shaped or spear-shaped at the base, long pointed at the apex. Flowers 2-6 in axillary bunches, on short pedicels not exceeding the perianth. Perianth 2-2.5 mm long, with green, white membranous lobes along the edge; outer lobes bluntly keeled. The achene is black, matte, and does not protrude from the perianth. Distribution: Caucasus (entire), European part, Western Siberia, Eastern Siberia, Far East, Central Asia, Scandinavia, Atlantic and Central Europe, Middle-earth, Balkan Peninsula, Asia Minor, Turkish Armenia, Kurdistan, Iran, Mongolia, Japan, China, North America.
Knotweed (Polygonum corrigioloides)
An annual glaucous plant with numerous erect, recumbent, thin stems, 5-20 cm long. The bell is brown at the base, with 4-6 veins, hyaline at the top. The leaves are about 5 mm long, linear-spatulate, narrowed towards the base, with one vein. Flowers are 1-2 mm long, 4-6 in the leaf axils, with white-pink or bright pink perianth lobes. The pedicels are thin, 3 times longer than the flowers. The achene is small, about 1.5 mm long, triangular, almost black, smooth, shiny. Distribution: Caucasus (East Transcaucasian, Talysh), Central Asia (except high mountain areas), Iran.
Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum / Fallopia japonica / Reynoutria japonica /
Polygonum reynoutria) see Persicaria japonica
Spreading knotweed (Polygonum divaricatum)
Homeland - China, Mongolia, Far East.
A perennial plant with numerous stems up to 100-150 cm in height, with a brownish tint. The leaves are lanceolate, the lower ones are up to 10 cm long, the upper ones are up to 6 cm. Small whitish flowers are collected in large, dense, highly branched panicles.
Bush knotweed (Polygonum dumetorum)
An annual plant with a climbing, smooth, branched stem, up to 2-3 m tall. Leaves are petiolate, 2-10 cm long, 1-7 cm wide, heart-shaped, pointed or triangular-ovate, heart-shaped at the base, glabrous. Flowers 2-5 in axillary bunches and in terminal loose racemes; pedicels equal to the length of the perianth. The outer tepals along the midrib are narrowly membranous and winged. The achene is about 3 mm long, black, shiny. Distribution: Caucasus (Eastern and Western Transcaucasian, Talysh), European part, Western Siberia, Eastern Siberia, Far East (south), Central Asia, Scandinavia, Atlantic and Central Europe, Middle-earth, Balkan Peninsula, Asia Minor, Iran., Mongolia, Japan, China.
Knotweed (Polygonum equisetiforme)
A perennial plant with strong, recumbent, ascending or erect stems. The leaves are sessile, oblong, sharp, glaucous, about 4 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. The trumpets are shorter than the internodes, brown in the lower part, hyaline in the upper part, torn at the end into small, long, thin slices. The flowers are white or pink, funnel-shaped, with small, inconspicuous bracts, collected in thin leafless racemes. The achene is about 2.5 mm long, oval-triangular, shiny, finely punctate.
Distribution: Caucasus, rare (East and South Transcaucasia), Central Asia.
Polygonum erectum
Homeland - North America.
Perennial up to 60cm tall. Straight rough branched stem. Rough broad oval leaves.
Polygonum heterophyllum
An annual plant with straight, often splayed, branched stems, less often recumbent, 20-60 cm long. The leaves are of two kinds: on the stem the leaves are wider and larger, broadly lanceolate to linear, 2-4 cm long, on the branches smaller and narrower, linear-oblong or linear-lanceolate; The bracts are the smallest. Inflorescences are racemose or spike-shaped. The perianth lobes are twice or more as long as the tubes with white, pink or purple edges. The achene is triangular, oval or elliptical, mature - dark in color.
Distribution: Caucasus (Eastern and South Transcaucasian, Talysh), European part, Western and Eastern Siberia, Central Asia, Far East.
Pepper knotweed (Polygonum hydropiper)
An annual plant with a straight or ascending branched stem from the base, 30-90 cm tall. The bells are cylindrical, reddish-brown, with short setae along the upper edge, glabrous below. The leaves have very short petioles, oblong-lanceolate, sharp or obtuse, sometimes with spots or translucent points of glands, wedge-shaped at the base, fresh or recently dried - peppery taste. Inflorescences in intermittent, narrow, drooping racemes, 4-6 cm long. Perianth up to 4 mm long, usually 4-parted, pinkish-purple or greenish, covered with sessile, golden-yellow glands. Stamens 6-8. The achene is 2.5-3.5 mm long, convex on one side, flat on the other, black, dull, tuberculate-rough. Distribution: Caucasus (almost all), European part, Western and Eastern Siberia, Central Asia, Far East.
Sorrel-leaved knotweed (Polygonum lapathifolium)
An annual herbaceous plant sometimes more than 1 m in height. The stem is creeping, ascending or erect, unbranched, but can also be branched. The stem nodes are noticeably thickened. The leaves are broadly ovate or lanceolate, narrowed at the base into a wedge-shaped petiole. They are pointed at the top, but can also be rounded. There is a crescent-shaped spot on the upper side of the leaf (sometimes absent). The leaves are cobwebby or bare on the underside. The bells are bare, ciliated only along the edge. The inflorescence is a false elongated spike. Its base is without cilia. The pedicels of individual flowers are covered with yellow glands. The flowers are pink, white or greenish. Blooms from early July to late October.
Coastal knotweed (Polygonum littorale)
Biennial, herbaceous plant with rather thick roots. The stems are strong, recumbent, branched, 20-60 cm long. The leaves are ovate - spatulate or elongated lanceolate, obtuse or pointed, thick. The flowers are small, greenish, 3-5 in the leaf axils. The achene is about 2 mm long, sharp, finely punctate.
Spreading. Caucasus (West Ciscaucasia, West Transcaucasia, Talysh), Scandinavia, Atlantic Europe, Middle-earth.
Polygonum luzuloides
A perennial plant with a woody multi-headed rhizome. The stems are straight, hard, with numerous twig-like branches. The bells are transparent, tubular, with a fringed upper edge. The leaves are broadly lanceolate-linear, 5-6 cm long, 4-6 mm wide, with clearly defined lateral veins below. The inflorescence is a long, intermittent raceme. Flowers 2-4 in the leaf axils, pale pink. The achene is oblong, triangular, equal in length to the perianth. Distribution: Caucasus.
Small-headed knotweed (Polygonum microcephala) see Persicaria microcephala
Lesser knotweed (Polygonum minus)
An annual plant with a thin, recumbent or ascending, less often straight, bare, branched stem, 20-30 cm tall. The bells are appressed short-pilose, long-ciliated along the edge. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, with a rounded or elongated base. Inflorescences are thin, rather loose, straight or slightly drooping spikes, without glands. The achene is convex or almost triangular on both sides, black, shiny. Distribution: Caucasus.
Soft knotweed (Polygonum molle)
Subshrub. Stems are straight, sometimes slightly rising, 90-150 cm tall, very branched, tomentose or glabrous. Petioles are 1-1.5 cm long. The leaf blades are light green from the center to the edge, green from the edge to the center, elliptic or lanceolate-elliptic, 10-20 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. The inflorescences are wide, paniculate, large, pubescent or glabrous, with oval bracts. The perianth is white, 5-petalled, about 0.2 cm long. Flowering in August-September.
Knotweed (Polygonum nodosum)
An annual plant with a straight or ascending, simple or branched stem, often with thickened nodes, 20-60 (120) cm tall. The bells are wide, often bare, with small cilia along the edge. Leaves are petiolate, oblong or lanceolate, pointed, usually bare on the underside, with pinpoint glands. The inflorescences are elongated, racemose, becoming thinner towards the apex. Pedicels without glands. The perianth is about 2 mm long, white or pink. The achene is about 2 mm long, lentil-shaped, dark brown.
Distribution: Caucasus (almost all), European part, Western Siberia, Eastern Siberia, Far East, Scandinavia, Atlantic and Central Europe, Middle-earth, Japan, China.
Eastern knotweed (Polygonum orientale)
Homeland - India.
An annual herbaceous plant up to 200 cm tall. The flowers are small, red, collected in paniculate, pendulous inflorescences. Bears fruit. Grows well in deeply cultivated, nutritious, moist soil. Propagated by sowing seeds at the end of May in a permanent place. Used to decorate walls, fences and to create the background of mixborders. In culture since 1700.
Rejected knotweed (Polygonum patulum)
An annual plant, with straight, usually branched, strong stems from the base, up to 60 cm in height; the branches are directed obliquely upward, thin. The bells are translucent, fringed-torn (especially later), and short. The leaves are sessile or short-petiolate, pointed, the lower ones are oblong - lanceolate, the upper ones are lanceolate or linear. The flowers are reddish, collected in long racemes. The perianth is almost tubular, closed; its lobes are reddish, green along the back. The achene is about 2 mm long, ovoid, pointed, triangular, glossy, punctate. Distribution: Caucasus, European part, Central Asia, Western Siberia, Atlantic and Central Europe, Middle-earth, Iran.
Polygonum perforata
Annual herbaceous liana up to 2 m long. The entire plant is covered with hooked, curved spines facing downwards. The leaves are bluish-green,
obtuse-triangular, pierced (the petiole does not extend from the edge of the plate, but 2-4 mm from it). The inflorescences are apical and axillary, in the form of dense racemes 1-3 cm long of 5-20 flowers. The flowers are pale green, 4-5 mm in diameter,
when the fruits become fleshy, bluish, berry-shaped. Lives in river valleys, near the sea coast, in clearings.
General distribution: temperate and warm zones of the Northern Hemisphere.
Polygonum persicaria
An annual plant with a straight, erect, simple or branched stem at the bottom, 20-60 cm tall. Leaves are almost sessile, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, long pointed. The bells are narrow, tightly adjacent to the stem, appressed and hairy, with long cilia along the upper edge. The inflorescences are relatively thick and dense; brushes up to 2-3 cm long. Perianth pink, without glands. The achene is broadly ovoid, sometimes triangular, not depressed on the sides, black, shiny.
Distribution: Caucasus, European part, Central Asia, Western Siberia, Eastern Siberia, Atlantic and Central Europe, Middle-earth, Iran, Scandinavia, Japan, China.
Common knotweed (Polygonum polycnemoides)
An annual plant with numerous, weak, smooth, prostrate stems, 8-20 cm long. The trumpet is hyaline, without veins, shorter than the leaves, but longer than the internodes. Leaves are 5-10 mm long, about 1 mm wide, slightly fleshy, subulate-linear, almost smooth, with one vein. The bracts are clearly prominent. Flowers on very short stalks, 1-2 in the leaf axils; the perianth lobes are shorter than the tubules, pink with a white margin. The achene is less than 2 mm long, weakly triangular, finely punctate.
Distribution: Caucasus, Central Asia, Asia Minor, Iran.
Polygonum polystachyum
Subshrub. Stems are 80-100 cm tall, very branched, pubescent, sometimes glabrous. Petioles 1 cm long. The leaf blades are gray-green from the center to the edge and green from the edge to the center, broadly lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate, 6-17 cm long and 3-7 cm wide, sagittate-heart-shaped or almost truncated at the base, pointed at the end. Inflorescences are terminal, paniculate, wide. The perianth is white or pinkish, 5-petalled, 0.4 cm in diameter. The bracts are oval. Flowering in August-September.
Point knotweed (Polygonum punctatum)
Homeland - Eurasia.
Letnik up to 50cm tall. Straight reddish or greenish stem. Alternate lanceolate green leaves with brownish edges. Small green flowers, collected in drooping inflorescences.
Sakhalin knotweed / Sakhalin buckwheat (Polygonum sachalinense)
It grows wildly in the south of Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and Japan.
Perennial, herbaceous plant with creeping rhizomes. Stems are straight, hollow, strong, up to 300 cm tall, green or brown. The leaves are large, up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide, broadly oval or oval-oblong, on short petioles. The flowers are small, whitish-cream, collected in paniculate inflorescences up to 20 cm long. Blooms in July-August for 40-45 days. The fruit is a triangular, dark brown nut. Winter-hardy. It is used as a decorative foliage plant to camouflage outbuildings and create thickets. In culture since 1863.
Salty knotweed (Polygonum salsugineum)
An annual plant with thin, straight from the base, highly branched, spreading, bushy, finely grooved stems, 10-20 cm tall. The bells at the top are irregularly fringed and torn, rusty brown to the tops. Leaves are about 3 mm long, narrow-linear, pointed, sometimes almost awl-shaped, the lower ones fall off early. The flowers are axillary, solitary, sessile, forming long intermittent spikes. The perianth is funnel-shaped, with yellow or reddish lobes, shorter than the tube. The achene is sharply triangular, matte, dotted.
Distribution: Caucasus, European part, Western Siberia, Central Asia.
Tiflis knotweed (Polygonum tiflisiense)
An annual plant with straight, densely leafy, branched stems, 20-80 cm tall; branches pointing upward. The bells are deeply bifid, white, later turning brown. The leaves are yellowish-green, the lower leaves are broadly oval-lanceolate, 1-6 cm long, the upper leaves are reduced, narrower. Inflorescences are strongly discontinuous racemes. Flowers 1-3 in the axils of linear or almost subulate bracts; perianth 2-3 mm long, tubular, green with red tips or almost white. The achene is about 3 mm long, triangular, punctate granular.
Distribution: Caucasus.
Knotweed (Polygonum tinctorium)
An annual plant with a straight, simple or slightly branched stem, 30-80 cm tall. The bells are narrow, bare, ciliated along the edge. The leaves are oval or ovate, obtuse, glabrous, with translucent points of glands, slightly pubescent along the edges. The ears are collected in a cluster, dense, oval or oblong. The perianth is red. The achene is 2-3 mm long, biconvex, smooth, shiny.
Felt knotweed (Polygonum tomentosum)
An annual plant with a straight or ascending stem, 30-60 cm (up to 1 m) in height. The bell is bare or short-ciliated. The leaves are short-petiolate, oblong-elliptic, oblong or lanceolate, white cobwebby-pubescent below, with sessile glands. Inflorescences are dense, short racemes, up to 4 cm long. The inflorescence branches, pedicels and perianth are covered with yellow glands. The achene is 2.5-3 mm long, laterally compressed and with indentations on both sides.
Distribution: Caucasus, European part, Central Asia, Western Siberia, Eastern Siberia, Atlantic and Central Europe, Middle-earth, Iran, Scandinavia, North America.
Lingonberry knotweed (Polygonum vaccinifolium)
Homeland - Himalayas.
Creeping herbaceous perennial up to 15 cm tall. Forms large groups. It blooms in late summer and early autumn with small pink flowers in dense inflorescences about 6 cm long. In winter it requires protection from moisture. Winter-hardy down to -23 degrees. In culture since the 19th century.
Virginia knotweed (Polygonum virginianum)
Unusual and amazing beautiful perennial. The colorful foliage is the main reason this species is grown. The greenish-white flowers appear in late summer and are of no value to the grower. It achieves its greatest decorative effect in full sun; light partial shade is acceptable. Prefers moist soils, but tolerates drought well. Most beautiful in large groups. Self-seeding is possible in a favorable location.
Viviparous knotweed (Polygonum viviparum) see Bistorta vivipara
Weyrich's knotweed (Polygonum weyrichii)
It grows wild on the grassy slopes of Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands and Japan.
It grows into powerful thickets up to 200 cm high. Branched leafy stems. The leaves are oval-elongated, sessile. The rhizome is cord-like, creeping. Blooms in late summer. The inflorescence is racemose, the flowers are very small, white, inconspicuous. Winter-hardy without shelter.
Extremely unpretentious, prefers rich loams. Good for planting near outbuildings and fences.
Knotweed care and maintenance
Lighting: grow in a bright, semi-shaded, cool place with moist air.
Propagation of knotweed: by division, root suckers. Eastern knotweed, serpentine, splayed - with stratified (1-2 months) seeds at the end of May in a permanent place or before winter in boxes. Seeds germinate in light at 18-25 degrees. They can easily tolerate transplantation with a clod of earth. Rhizomatous mountaineers grow quickly, forming dense thickets; they can grow in one place for up to 6-10 years.
Knotweed transplant: Soil: prefer moist, fertile, well-fertilized soils with a slightly acidic reaction. Snake knotweed tolerates close groundwater. Knotweed is splayed and related to dry-loving.
Pests and diseases: Not noted.
Features of caring for knotweed
Remove brown leaves in spring. Water and fertilize well. In late autumn, cut off the “carpets” that are too large.