Tovara virginiana

Common Name: 
Virginia knotweed, jumpseed
Scientific Name: 
Tovara virginiana (L.) Raf.    syn.  Polygonum virginianum, Persicaria virginica
Family Name: 
Polygonaceae - Smartweed or Buckwheat Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
native perennial, reproducing by seed
Stems
upright, smooth below, hairy above, jointed, ocrea (papery or membranous sheath) fringed with hairs at nodes
Stems of Virginia Knotweed
Leaves
alternate, oval to elliptic, entire, tip pointed, scantily haired, often with dark spot above in center, pubescent above and below or smooth below
Leaves of Virginia Knotweed
Flowers
4-sepaled, greenish-white to pinkish-white; terminal (some axillary) racemes, loose, long, slender, flowers widely spaced
Flowers of Virginia Knotweed