Smartweed

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Smartweed or knotweed (Polygonum spp.) may have erect or creeping rootstocks. The stem is distinctly jointed, with each swollen joint or node covered by a thin sheath. Leaves are alternate and usually linear to elliptical. Flowers are white, pink, or greenish.

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Smartweed is common throughout Mississippi, along the edges of ponds, lakes, streams, marshes, and in ditches. It can become a serious problem in commercial and private ponds. Often you can control it by deepening the edges of a pond to a minimum depth of 2 feet. You can have relatively good control with any of the treatments listed here. Read and follow label instructions before using any chemical in water.

Special care was taken to make certain that all herbicide treatments are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in the manner described. Registrations of specific practices are often changed or deleted; therefore, treatments suggested in this information sheet may not remain current indefinitely. Read and observe the manufacturer's label to prevent misuse of a herbicide. It is not intended or proposed that usage of any given practice suggested in this information sheet be in violation with existing registration or manufacturer's label.

If you fail to carefully read and follow suggested treatments, you could cause extensive damage to the environment, crops, livestock or humans.