Dotted Smartweed

Common name: Dotted Smartweed

Scientific name: Polygonum punctatum

Dimensions:
  Flower: 1/8" (3 mm) long
  Plant height: 1-3' (30-90 cm)

Blooming period: July-September

Habitat: Wet soil, open swamps, shallow water

Description: Tiny greenish or white flowers on one or more erect or nodding spikes; 5 petals covered with minute translucent dots visible with magnification; and green calyx. Flowers unevenly spaced on spikes, more-so near the bottom of the spike. Leaves up to 8" (20 cm) long, hairless, alternate, narrowly lance-shaped (lanceolate) or elliptic. Leaf sheaths present, may be hairless or short-fringed. Smartweed family. (August 29)