Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Polygonum aviculare Linnaeus
(Yard Knotweed)

Family: Polygonaceae

Status: Exotic

Synonyms:
Polygonum buxiforme Small

Polygonum aviculare is a decumbent to prostrate thready annual plant with linear bluish green leaves that are jointed near the stem. The flowers and fruit are spread out along the stem and are pointing upwards. The calyx segments are green with pinkish margins. Polygonum aviculare can be found on the roadside in town or even in streambeds.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Polygonum aviculare, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Kelly Kindscher, & Al Wheeler, Black Range, Meadow Creek, July 28, 2008



Polygonum aviculare, detail of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Kelly Kindscher, & Al Wheeler, Black Range, Meadow Creek, July 28, 2008



Polygonum aviculare, 1x macro of flower, hyaline ocreae and hinged leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, May 17, 2009



Polygonum aviculare, macro of achene, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City parking lot, November 1, 2009


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