Harris Family Dairy Farm
Starlight PA
2012


Polygonum pensylvanicum L.

Pennsylvania Smartweed, Pink Smartweed

Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)

Dense, erect, spike-like clusters of small, bright pink flowers are on sticky-haired stalks.
About 75 species of smartweeds occur in North America. They are mainly are identified by their spikes of numerous flowers and encircling leaf sheaths. A closely related species, Pale Smartweed (P. lapathifolium), has white or pale rose, arching flower spikes and usually smooth stems. Both are found in gardens as well as in damp waste places. The seeds of these plants are eaten by songbirds and waterfowl. There are also climbing species of smartweeds.