Integrated Pest Management
Prostrate Knotweed
Polygonum aviculare
Description
- low-growing plant with wiry stems that radiate out from a central point and grow up to 2 feet in length
- small leaves join the stems at enlarged “joints” that are covered in a papery sheath
- tiny white or pink flowers have five petals and green centers
Location
- commonly grows in planting beds but can sometimes be found in lawn areas
Life Cycle
- summer annual with seedling germination in early spring; seedling growth is slow
- flowers and seeds are produced mid-spring to fall frost
IPM Recommendations
- Hand-pull plants prior to seed maturation.
- Prostrate knotweed thrives in compacted soil; avoid or reduce soil compaction by aeration or preventative methods.
- Apply a mulch layer 3 inches deep on planting beds to reduce seed germination.
- Apply an appropriate pre-emergent herbicide prior to seed germination or post-emergent herbicide to young seedlings (less than 3 inches wide).