Polygonaceae
Polygonum amphibium

Water Smartweed

Aquatic or amphibious. Leaves along stems, oblong to lance-shaped, often tinted brown, shiny, with noticeable veins. Flowers numerous, bright pink, held on stalks from upper part of stem. Floats in shallow water or grows in wet soils at edges of water, at all elevations below subalpine. Soils may dry in autumn. Var. emersum (pictured, also known as P. coccineum) has upright stems with lance-shaped leaves and flower spike to 2 in. Var. stipulaceum floats, with oblong leaf, and 1 in. flower spike.

  • Rarity: Common
  • Flowering Time: All Spring And Summer
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 6--12 inches
  • Habitat: Bog/Fen/Wetland, Lake/Pond
  • Found In: Olympic Np, West Gorge, East Gorge, N Cascades Np
  • Native: Yes

More Information: