Pennsylvania Smartweed

Common Name: Pennsylvania Smartweed

Botanical Name: Polygonatum pensylvanicum L.

Family: Polygonaceae

Life Cycle: Annual (spreads by seeds)

Defining Identification Characteristics:

• Many branching stems

• Stems have a swollen joint where leaves emerge

• Alternate, long and narrow leaves

• Bright pink or white flowers in a dense cluster

Common habitat:

• Landscape gardens

• Container plantings

• Farm fields

Noxious Weed List/Legal Status:

Eradicate Control Restricted Specially Regulated Not Listed

Additional Information:

• Smartweeds (Pennsylvania smartweed and ladysthumb) - Weeds

• Pennsylvania smartweed