"Smartweed, Pennsylvania Smartweed"
Polygonum comes from the word poly meaning "many" and gonu meaning "knee" or "joint". This is in reference to the thickened joints of this species. Pensylvanicum literally means "of Pennsylvania".
Sun Exposure | Prairie, Savanna |
Soil Moisture | Wet Mesic, Mesic |
Bloom Time |
Summer, Fall August, September |
Bloom Color | White |
Max Height | 2 feet |
Wetland Code | OBL |
Germ Code | C(60),D |
Seeds Per Ounce | 7,800 |
Smartweed is found on damp soils of roadsides and fields in the north-central Tallgrass region. Grows from 1 to 4 feet in height. Can be erect or sprawling; leaves are lanceolate. Rose-pink to white flowers bloom in small clumps from June to October. The joints of this plant are tinged reddish.
Found on damp soils of roadsides and fields in the north-central Tallgrass region. Grows from 1 to 4 feet in height. Can be erect or sprawling; leaves are lanceolate. Rose-pink to white flowers bloom in small clumps from June to October. The joints of this plant are tinged reddish.
Native Americans made a tea from the whole plant to treat diarrhea. A bitter leaf tea was made to stop bleeding of the mouth. The tops of P. pensyvanicum were used to make a tea to treat epilepsy.
Edible Uses: Unknown
Medicinal Uses: An infusion of the plant tops has been used in the treatment of epilepsy.
An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat haemorrhages of blood from the mouth and to aid postpartum healing.
The leaves have been used as a wipe on the anus in treating bloody piles.
Herbal Uses: Unknown