Common names: prostrate knotweed, knotweed*

Scientific names: Polygonum aviculare

Seasons of significant use: summer (for Polygonum spp. complex)

Characteristics: Possibly introduced and naturalized, annual, warm season forb. Usually mat forming when found on other wised bare ground, but can be erect. Stems usually prostrate, often rooting at nodes, to 3.5 feet; leaves alternate, simple, usually bluish-green, stipulate; stipules form papery sheath around the nodes called an ocrea; flowers and fruits often fascicled in leaf axils; fruits an achene, striated, inequilaterally 3-angled. Flowers May-November.

Plant community type: Open areas. Often found in very poor soils such as along gravel roads, etc. Also found in areas of heavy disturbance such as cultivated fields, mowed and overgrazed areas, etc.

Comments: *This plant was not very abundant on the study area, and probably did not account for much of the Polygonum spp. in the rumen samples.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family