Oval Leaf Knotweed

Appearance

Knotweed develops a deep tap root ), does well in compacted soil, and survives drought conditions. The numerous wiry stems grow out from the center of the plant giving it a mat-like appearance. The stems are very long and branching and grow in a zigzag form. The leaves are alternate, oblong, hairless, can be 1⁄2 to 2+1⁄2 inches long, and are bluish-green in color. The leaf stalk is short and closely surrounded by papery stipules on each node. The stem nodes are slightly swollen and look somewhat like "knots", thus its common name, knotweed. Flowers, with colors ranging from white to green, are inconspicuous, have no petals, and grow all along the stems. The sepals, however, are pinkish with white edges. Seeds are egg-shaped, dark reddish brown in color, and have a smooth shiny surface.

In the US, knotweed can be mistaken for the native plant spotted spurge. An easy way to tell the difference is to break off a stem. Spurges contain milky sap; knotweed does not.

Since common knotweed does well in compacted soils, it is commonly found in brown-field sites, roadsides and pavements, driveways and in turf grass and in gardens.