Pleatleaf knotweed (Polygonum tenue, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 238 (1803))

Family: Polygonaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 238 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polygonum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Wyoming to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Pleatleaf knotweed, scientifically recognized as Polygonum tenue, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. Described by the renowned botanist André Michaux in 1803 within his renowned work “Flora Boreali-Americana,” this plant carries a rich historical and botanical significance. The citation from Michaux’s work highlights its long-standing recognition in botanical literature.

This plant is predominantly found across North America, with its range spanning from Wyoming through to the central and eastern regions of the United States. Such a broad distribution speaks to its adaptability to various habitats and terrains across this expanse.

One of the characteristic features of Pleatleaf knotweed is its slender, wiry stems, which typically support narrow, pleated leaves—a trait that gives it its common name. The plant tends to thrive in open, disturbed areas, and is often spotted in dry, rocky soils where other vegetation might struggle. Despite its delicate appearance, Polygonum tenue is notably hardy and resilient, often forming part of the ground cover in prairie ecosystems and other similar habitats.

The family Polygonaceae, to which Pleatleaf knotweed belongs, is known for several other economically and ecologically significant species, with Pleatleaf knotweed contributing to the diversity and dynamic of its native ecosystems. Its presence can indicate soil conditions and it plays a role in local ecological interactions, making it an important species for study in botany and ecology.

Common Names

Eng: pleatleaf knotweed, slender knotweed, pleat-leaved knotweed
Fra: renouée ténue
En: Pleatleaf knotweed, Slender knotweed, Pleat-leaved knotweed
Fr: Renouée ténue

Synonyms

• Chulusium filiforme (Raf.)
• Polygonum filiforme (W.P.C.Barton)
• Polygonum tenue var. protrusum (Fernald)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5334380)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30232922-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polygonum tenue Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth