Alpine Smartweed

(Polygonum viviparum)

Alpine Smartweed (Polygonum viviparum L.)

Identification: An unbranched, far northern species. Flowers white or pale pink, arranged in a long, narrow spike. Whitish flowers usually followed below by purple nutlets of the developing seeds. Stem unbranched. Leaves narrow, widest in the middle and tapering to either end. Base of leaf either tapering or slightly squared-off. Petioles usually very long and thin. Junction of leaf and stem swollen with an elongate sheath encircling the stem. Plant 4 to 8 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout arctic America and extending southward into northern Minnesota, northern Michigan, and the mountains of New England. In the west, the species is found in the Rocky Mountains and Washington. The species is also native to northern Europe and Asia.

Habitat: Alpine Smartweed is an alpine or arctic species, preferring limy soils.

Flowering period: July to August.

Similar Species: Alpine Smartweed is easily identified by a combination of its leaves and habitat.