Knotweed - Polygonum

[Marcepstein]

This white-flowered Knotweed (also called Smartweed) is an aquatic or moist-soil plant ((Polygonum spp, possibly punctatum) (some listed them in the genus Persicaria) and many are considered valuable waterfowl food plants. Like the Ladiesthumbs in an earlier post, the flowers are tiny, just a few mm. These were taken with a Canon ef 100mm f2.8 macro and extension tubes; the last 2 closeups were taken with a Canon MP-e65 -- the enlarged flower has several Thrips on it. There are also a few aphids lurking in the first picture. Ive heard that the name Smartweed comes from the hot-spicy taste of the leaves of some of the species (antidotal). I believe the Knotweed name comes from the swollen nodes and thin sheathing stipules (ocrea).

[klevin]

Nice! And I appreciate the description/discussion.

[Marcepstein]

Thanks for the comment !