| Polygonum cespitosum | |
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Bristled Knotweed
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| Origin Of Species | |
| Asia | |
| Physical Description | |
| Polygonum cespitosum is a slender herbaceous plant that can reach sixteen inches in height. Leaves alternate along the stem and can reach three inches in length and one in width. The flowers are reddish pink and white and occur between May and September. | |
| Habitat And Distribution | |
| Polygonum cespitosum is found in moist habitats, along disturbed areas, waste ground, ditches, and roadways. It is prevalent in the eastern half of the United States as far west as New Mexico, Iowa, and Nebraska. | |
| Location On Campus | |
| Polygonum cespitosum is to be expected in any neglected area on campus with reasonably moist soil. Large patches occur between the commuter parking lot behind Gottwald Science Center and the intramural fields, and along the former Gambles Mill Road (between Westham Creek and the Country Club of Virginia). | |
| Negative Impacts | |
| Polygonum cespitosum is mildly toxic and thus has few natural predators. It is able to thrive in moist habitats, dominating the substrate and thus necessary nutrients, water, and sunlight to the detriment of native species. | |
| VDCR Invasiveness Ranking | |
| Moderately Invasive Species Additional Images: Flowers with stem Stems with leaves Flowers with stems and leaves Flowers with stems and leaves |
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