Prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare) is a low-growing summer annual or perennial which is very competitive in compacted soils. It is often a problem along driveways, sidewalks, and beaten paths. The slender stems radiate from a central taproot and produce a tough mat-like growth. Leaves are dull, blue green, small, smooth and arranged alternately along the stem. This weed germinates with the first warm temperatures in the spring. Newly emerging seedlings are often mistaken for grasses in very early stages of development.

Maintain a dense, actively growing turf through proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering practices. Mow at the proper height for your selected adapted turfgrass. Coring and traffic control reduce compaction and encourage desirable turfgrass competition. It is best to control this weed in late spring or early summer because it is easier to control at this time and the turf will have a greater chance of recovering the areas previously occupied by weeds.

• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • summer annual or perennial weed
• GROWTH HABIT
  • prostrate, spreading; mat-forming
    ​Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3
• LEAFLET NUMBER
  • one
    ​Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6
• LEAF MARGIN
  • smooth
• LEAF HAIRS
  • none
• LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
  • linear/oblong/oval/egg-shaped/elliptical
• LEAF WIDTH
  • 1/2 - 1 inch
• LEAF VENATION
  • pinnate
• LEAF ARRANGEMENT
  • alternate
• ROOT TYPE
  • taproot
• FLOWER COLOR
  • white to pinkish in color

Figure 1. Prostrate Knotweed growth habit.

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Figure 1. Prostrate Knotweed growth habit.

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Figure 2. Prostrate Knotweed growth habit.

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Figure 2. Prostrate Knotweed growth habit.

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Figure 3. Prostrate Knotweed growth habit.

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Figure 3. Prostrate Knotweed growth habit.

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Figure 4. Prostrate Knotweed leaflet number.

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Figure 4. Prostrate Knotweed leaflet number.

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Figure 5. Prostrate Knotweed leaflet number.

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Figure 5. Prostrate Knotweed leaflet number.

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Figure 6. Prostrate Knotweed leaflet number.

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Figure 6. Prostrate Knotweed leaflet number.

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