Oval-Leaf Knotweed
Polygonum arenastrum
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Krym, Kuril Is., Madeira, Morocco, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Sinai, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygonaceae
- Genus:
- Polygonum
- Species:
- Polygonum arenastrum
- USDA Symbol:
- POAR11
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- green, white, pink
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bronzed Cutworm (Nephelodes minians), Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe ferrugata), Flounced Chestnut (Agrochola helvola), Grammia virguncula, Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica), many-lined carpet moth (Anticlea multiferata), Ornate Tiger Moth (Grammia ornata), sentinel wave moth (Scopula sentinaria), underworld dart (Agrotis subterranea), Variable Carpet Moth (Orthonama centrostrigaria), Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia), Yellow-legged Tiger Moth (Haematopis grataria), Acmon blue (Plebejus acmon), Epidemia helloides
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- often found in disturbed areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions without pretreatment.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI