Persicaria amphibia

(Water Knotweed)

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Persicaria amphibia, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 4915

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Persicaria amphibia, Georgia Pass, Summit Co. 0137

Scientific Name Persicaria amphibia (Polygonum amphibium) USDA PLANTS Symbol POAME
Common Name Water Knotweed, Water Smartweed ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 823854
Family Polygonaceae (Buckwheat) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to subalpine (3500 to 10700 ft.); lake edges; amphibious plant may occur in water or on land in wet areas.
Plant: Terrestrial plants have erect to decumbent and densely hairy stems and leaves with sharp-pointed tipped leaf blades; aquatic plants have hairless stems and blunt-tipped leaves.
Leaves: Alternate, ovate-lanceolate to elliptic, leathery green stem leaves with tips as above; 3/4 to 6 inches long and 3/8 to 2-3/8 inches wide.
Inflorescence: Terminal racemes 3/8 to 6 inches long of many small flowers with bright pink to red tepals.
Bloom Period: Summer.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and US Forest Service article by Walter Fertig.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County