Polygonum hydropiper

Species category

Weed

Common name

marshpepper knotweed

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.

Shape

Triangularly ovateOvate:
Egg-shaped with basal end the broadest.

Size

  • Length 2.8–3 mm
  • Width 1.5–2 mm
  • Thickness 1.5–2 mm

Color

Black

Texture

Rough

Other structures

Remnants of speckled floral parts present.

Identification notes

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.
with one side larger than the other two. Some achenesAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.
approach a plano-convex configuration. Floral parts have distinct and wide-spaced dots on their surfaces. ApexApical:
The distal end of the fruit or seed away from the point of attachment or attachment scar.
is acutely pointed.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Polygonaceae

Valid name

Polygonum hydropiper L.

Synonyms

Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Opiz
Polygonum hydropiper L. var. projectum Stanford

 Polygonum hydropiper.  Achenes with remnants of speckled floral parts.
Polygonum hydropiper. Achenes with remnants of speckled floral parts.