Common Name:
Pinkweed
Pennsylvania Smartweed
Lady's Thumb Smartweed

Scientific Name:
Polygonum pennsylvanicum L.
Polygonum Persicaria L.

Family:
Buckwheat (Polygonaceae)

Plant Description:
An annual plant reaching from 12-36 inches in height. Smartweeds are easy to distinguish because plants have reddish stems that are swollen at the leaf joints and have sheaths. Leaves are oriented in an alternate arrangement. Flowers occur during the months of June-August and are pink to purple in color. Lady's Thumb has a distinct fingerprint-like marking on the leaves.

Remarks:
Smartweed is a common invader of newly planted beds are bare areas in established beds. Seed is introduced into beds when growers haul sand during bed renovations or in fall flood waters. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soils.