Smartweed

Smartweed (Polygonum spp.) forms dense colonies in shallow water or moist soils and can grow to 3 feet tall. Leaves are lance-shaped and arranged alternately along the erect stem. The stem is characterized by a swollen ring where the leaf attaches. Flowers are on spikes at the end of stems and start out green, then turn whitish or light pink in color as they mature. Smartweed usually grows in isolated clumps along the shoreline, but can eventually surround the entire pond.

Management Options

Mechanical Options

Smartweed can be mowed down and removed from the pond.

Mechanical treatment for aquatic vegetation

Biological Options

There is no biological control option for the treatment of smartweed.

Chemical Options

The active ingredients that have been successful in treating smartweed include: 2,4-D (E), Glyphosate (E), Imazamox (E), and Triclopyr (G). E = excellent; G = good.

Chemical treatment for aquatic vegetation

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