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Smartweed (Polygonum spp.) forms dense colonies in shallow water or moist soils and can grow to 3 feet tall. Leaves are lance-shaped ans arranged alternately along the erect stem. The stem is characterized by a swollen ring where 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.
Mechanical Options
Smartweed can be mowed down and removed from the pond.
Information on Mechanical Treatment of 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), Glyphosphate (E), Imazamox (E) and Triclopyr (G). E = excellent, G = good
Information on Chemical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation
Return to the emergent vegetation page