Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Pink Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum)



Texas Ranch Management would like to point out another important plant. The plant Pink smartweed is very common in central and eastern Texas. Often, they are found growing in wetland habitats. Most of the time, it will grow in shallow standing water. Flowers can range in color from a white to light pink and are located at the end of each stem. Leaves are lance shaped, alternate, and can be up to 4 inches in length.

Pink smartweed has great wildlife value. Seeds are a favorite of ducks, song birds, and some small mammals. When the plant becomes submerged for an extended period of time, its stems become habitat micro and macro invertebrates – important food for fish and other wildlife species.

USDA Plants Profile for Polygonum pensylvanicum

2 comments:

  1. This weed is noxious to goats, it causes bloat and diarrhea. Nitrogen overload can cause death.

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  2. How do you get rid of it, I have been trying all summer and just when I think I have eradicated it there comes some more.

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