Polygonaceae

Persicaria chinensis

Common Names: Chinese knotweed

Plant Form: Upright vine-like shrub. Size: Up to 1 m tall, but climbing much higher. Stem: Red with stripes or streaks. Leaves: Stout lance to heart-shaped 15 cm long, soft, light green often with a darker V-shaped marking in centre. Flowers: Clusters of small white to pinkish. At ends or joins of branches. Fruit and Seeds: Black, fleshy berries, up to 3 mm diameter. Habitat: Roadsides, riparian areas, swamps, wetlands. Distinguishing Features: Leaves more stout than other Persicaria species which tend to have more elongated leaves. Impacts: Smothers and replaces native vegetation or agricultural plantings.