Beach Knotweed
Polygonum paronychia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygonaceae
- Genus:
- Polygonum
- Species:
- Polygonum paronychia
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Subshrub
- Height:
- 3-4 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Pink
Native Range
United States: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Canada: British Columbia
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Lasionycta arietis, Lasionycta wyatti, Synanthedon polygoni
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons)
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:
- Commonly found in coastal or sandy habitats
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds require 8 weeks of cold-moist stratification. Scarification can be done but did not significantly improve germination in controlled tests.
Establishment: This species is slower to emerge and grow than many other coastal dune species. There are conflicting protocols regarding the need for scarification. Seeds are collected between May and October. Found in sandy coastal habitats including dunes and scrub.
Source: npn.rngr.net