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Perennial weed is Polygonium species? #770756

Asked September 04, 2021, 7:24 PM EDT

This plant grows about 2-3 feet tall. The stems with leaves grow in a zig-zag pattern, changing direction at each leaf. Leaves about 5" long. Veins opposite. Leaves are furry, with a very short knap. This plant has straight flower stems almost two feet long bearing tiny white flowers, widely spaced. There is a reddish, papery growth where the leaves join the stem. There are multiple flower stems per plant, each one branching off where a leaf joins the stem. Think these are perennial. They always seem to come up in the same spot and get going early in the spring. I'm guessing it's some kind of smartweed or knotweed, but I can't seem to find a match on the Internet. Thanks for your help!!O

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

   Thank you for your question David. 
Is it possible for you to provide a photo of the entire plant or plants in the area where they are growing? I have found several possibilities but none are very high possibilities. I shall keep searching for a more positive ID.
MGV Seneca County Replied September 09, 2021, 9:01 AM EDT

Here are some additional photos.  I suspect that the smaller specimen may be a first year seedling.  I've attached images at full resolution this time.

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On 9/9/21 9:01 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
The Question Asker Replied September 09, 2021, 12:44 PM EDT
Additional information - this plant spreads both by seeds and underground shoots.  There are thick, woody horizontal roots 1/4" in diameter, and then a spreading bunch of thinner, vertical roots.  It's a tough beast to remove.  I had to use a pick axe in places.

The Question Asker Replied September 10, 2021, 12:15 PM EDT

Thanks for the additional photos and information.

After some lengthy research I believe your plant is Virginia Jumpseed (knotweed) Persicana virginiana. However there is always a however it does resemble Japanese knotweed which is an invasive species but not to the extent that I would believe it to be.

Jumpseed is not listed as invasive but it is aggressive in its propagation.

I have listed links below which may be of further assistance. I have also listed your county OSU Extension Service should you wish to take a sample in for their opinion.

Thanks again for your question. I Will let you know if I find out any additional information.

Franklin County OSU Extension Office

2548 Carmack Road

Columbus, Ohio 43210

Phone:<personal data hidden>

Fax:<personal data hidden>

Link:

Visit the Franklin County Office website

Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites:
BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/
OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu
State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.edu

https://www.inaturalist.org/posts/43298-american-and-asian-jumpseed-in-north-america

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1NotWqRaoc

https://mgnv.org/plants/ground-cover/persicaria-virginiana-virginia-knotweed/

https://mgnv.org/2020/02/24/invasive-plants-in-northern-virginiajapanese-knotweed/

MGV Seneca County Replied September 14, 2021, 9:36 AM EDT

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