Box Knotweed
Polygonum buxiforme
- Native to:
- Canada, Costa Rica, Labrador, United States
GT1976
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygonaceae
- Genus:
- Polygonum
- Species:
- Polygonum buxiforme
- USDA Symbol:
- POBU2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, green
- 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:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in spring after cold stratification. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI