What is name of plant? - Ask Extension
Is it native or invasive? Should I keep it, maybe move to another part of yard. Had seen it in alley along neighbor's fence line and it made its way i...
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What is name of plant? #872838
Asked June 12, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT
Is it native or invasive? Should I keep it, maybe move to another part of yard. Had seen it in alley along neighbor's fence line and it made its way into my garden.
Unmowed it is now about 16" high. Has fibrous roots. Leaf arrangement alternate. Has itty-bitty small clumping purplish red berries at multiple spots on 1 stem. Growing in full sun.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
These are called Persicaria or commonly smart weed or knot weed, and some are native and some are not and sometimes difficult to determine them apart. The pinkish tops are actually the flowers. It generally grows in poor dry full sun locations. Regardless if native or introduced most in the genus spread easily so in a garden setting it is considered to be an unwanted weed. This one looks closest to Oriental Smartweed. Hand pulling and digging should be sufficient before the flowers go to seed.
Let us know if you have further questions.
Emily
Thank you for such a quick response. I'll remove it from my garden where it is growing.
Jan
You're welcome.
