Does anyone know if this a plant or a weed.
by D
+49
This comes back every year in the same spot. I have tried digging it up and it keeps growing back. Is it a weed?
47 answers
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Is a weed and I believe that is call Smartweed
![Luis]()
Luis
on Jun 20, 2014
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Thank you!
![D]()
D
on Jun 20, 2014
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awful weed! I pull them out all summer long..
![Keri]()
Keri
on Jun 20, 2014
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Yep weed for sure.
![Christa Francis]()
Christa Francis
on Jun 20, 2014
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Thank you! Looks like i wiil be busy this summer!
![D]()
D
on Jun 20, 2014
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Yup...that's smart weed for sure!!!
![Wendy Willey]()
Wendy Willey
on Jun 20, 2014
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You might be interested to know that it's edible and tastes quite peppery. Google "Smartweed" to learn more.
![KathrynElizabeth Etier]()
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Jun 20, 2014
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Tastes great in a salad..
![Dtu186937]()
Dtu186937
on Jun 21, 2014
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I always pull this up so I think I'll leave one to see if it blooms
![Mssmatch]()
Mssmatch
on Jun 21, 2014
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It looks like Vietnamese cilantro which is a substitute for cilantro (coriander). It does not bolt and will last the entire season in the south. https://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/polodoratum.htm
![Clara]()
Clara
on Jun 21, 2014
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If it's called "Smartweed" then, why does everyone keep pulling it up, and not using it in salad? DUH!! Wish I could find it here!!
![Suzanne Jones]()
Suzanne Jones
on Jun 21, 2014
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Looks like an amaranth plant to me.
![Robin Nickel Symes]()
Robin Nickel Symes
on Jun 21, 2014
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All weeds are plants."....... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You get to say what you call it
![Carole E]()
Carole E
on Jun 21, 2014
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What are considered weeds in one section of the country are cultivated plants in another. It's a weed if it grows naturally! It's a plant if you have to plant it! We are funny people...
![Penny Cathey]()
Penny Cathey
on Jun 21, 2014
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Polygonum persicaria, common name Lady's Thumb because the mark on the leaf looks like the imprint of a thumb. Part of the Smartweed family. Used as a medicinal herb by some herbalists.
![Paula]()
Paula
on Jun 21, 2014
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A weed is any plant growing where you don't want it! Queen Anne's Lace is just beautiful with day lilies, but you won't find it at a garden center.😉
![Yom]()
Yom
on Jun 21, 2014
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Weed. If it keeps coming back, even after you pull it, it probably has one of those root systems that re-propagate from even the tiniest bit left behind. Try cutting it way back and applying Roundup( I use this for the most stubborn infestations) that will kill all the way to the tips. FYI: a permaculturist told me that this is a good weed to plant around the perimeter of your vegetable garden. Japanese beetles love it and will leave your edibles alone.
![Suzanne]()
Suzanne
on Jun 21, 2014
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The name of this plant is VIRGINIA KNOTWEED, or RATTAIL (Polygonum virginianum L.)
![Kim Hudnall Richmond]()
Kim Hudnall Richmond
on Jun 21, 2014
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amazing how many weeds are actually edible or medicinal. If you can't beat 'em, eat 'm
![DiannaLynne]()
DiannaLynne
on Jun 21, 2014
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My Grandmother gave me the best advice for gardening (and life). "It all depends on what you like. A rose is a weed if you are planting Queen Anne's Lace". No matter if its a weed or plant, if you like it, keep it and let it spread.
![Sally]()
Sally
on Jun 21, 2014
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I would leave it a pretty weed, I leave a lot in my yard because they add a lot to my flower garden... or bed I have used stumps to put my flowers on to keep from having to try to burn all at once they rot then can get rid of them one at a time...
![Donnie Bouknight]()
Donnie Bouknight
on Jun 21, 2014
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I had one of these for about 15 years and it just died this last winter because the winter was so bad. I had other trees and plants die too because of the winter, so it wasn't only this plant that died. We are in Iowa, Zone 5. A few years ago I tried to find out what it was but NO-ONE could tell me. It grew to about 4 ft high and 5 ft wide. It was the most beautiful green plant I've seen. Mine had the sharper pointed leaf with deep red in the center. I know their are a few different shape of the leaves. I couldn't remember if it was something I had lpanted or if it was there when I moved to this p lace. I just now did an extensive search for it on internet, after I saw yours, and have found the name after I found MANY more pictures of it. It is Polygonum virginianum. Do a search. The article also said, " She may be related to Japanese Knotweed, but let’s not hold that against her." It said the Japanese Knotwood IS invasive, BUT THIS ONE IS NOT INVASIVE. So be careful wHich one you buy. Some have white in the center, some had pink or red. I hope to find another some someday :-) My favorite would be the deep red after having one :-) THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING YOUR PHOTO AND QUESTION. I HAVE NOW FOUND OUT WHAT MINE WAS AND CAN LOOK FOR ANOTHER ONE!!!
![Linda B]()
Linda B
on Jun 21, 2014
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It does seem to be a member of the polygonum family, which includes the Vietnamese cilantro mentioned above.There's a good look at a version of smartweed on this page: http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/pennsylvania_smartweed.htm If you can let it bloom you'll be able to make sure the flowers match.
![Kathleen Conery]()
Kathleen Conery
on Jun 21, 2014
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And spread this plant will. My parents bought a home in chehalis, wa. 28 yrs ago. We have been trying to kill this "smartweed" ever since. It does not die easily, I have dug up roots, sprayed chemicals as last resort and still it comes back. It is planted next to their house and the roots extend far under the foundation of the house. So unless I tear the house down, the plant wins. Good luck. Round up kills it for awhile, but it always returns.. 28 years....still here.. mother nature at its best.
![Christy]()
Christy
on Jun 21, 2014
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Looks like basil
![Sfwou]()
Sfwou
on Jun 21, 2014
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Ouch people queen Ann is what swallowtails lay their eggs on alot of so called weeds are what our butterflies need milkweed , rue, fennel our birds need mullin, thistle, they ae all beneficial and pretty if culitvated
![Paula Palmer]()
Paula Palmer
on Jun 21, 2014
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I always say a weed is simply a plant you don't want....and vise versa.
![Marie Davies]()
Marie Davies
on Jun 21, 2014
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It is a weed and a nuisance. I have it all over my flower bed and can't seem to get rid of it. If you find a good solution for getting rid of them, please re-post.
![Dee]()
Dee
on Jun 21, 2014
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I know that make poultices for rheumatism, but there are other uses. I just can't remember them.
![Paula]()
Paula
on Jun 21, 2014
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If it's not moving and an aggressive invader, it almost looks like a Hosta variety, I'd leave it alone. I actually have several "weeds" native to VA and although MY yuk neighbor has planted some very aggressive ground covers which are now in MY yard, UGH! - one of which looks like lambs ear and really cute!
![Barbara Turner]()
Barbara Turner
on Jun 21, 2014
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It is definitely a weed. Pull that sucker.
![Pam Clark]()
Pam Clark
on Jun 21, 2014
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IT'S A WEED, No doubt!!!
![Celeste Silva]()
Celeste Silva
on Jun 21, 2014
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Take a picture and a sample ,if possible ,to your extension agent. They should be able to tell you what it is. I have had it in my yard but just spray it with vinegar,salt,dishwashing liquid solution.
![Linda]()
Linda
on Jun 21, 2014
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In our area, that is a weed.
![Sherry R]()
Sherry R
on Jun 21, 2014
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It's a horrible weed pull it ASAP cuz if not like I didn't do it's very aggressive spreads like crazy
![Renita Stevenson]()
Renita Stevenson
on Jun 22, 2014
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It looks like a Hosta to me. I understand there are about 7300 varieties!
![Sherleen Z]()
Sherleen Z
on Jun 22, 2014
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looks like a hosta to me, loves the shade.
![Jackie Messer]()
Jackie Messer
on Jun 22, 2014
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Looks a little bit like my dragon flower – which I bought at a nursery. If the stalks/stems are reddish and break apart easily at the 'joints', it could be Red Dragon or something similar. I think there are several varieties. Mine is a darker/bluer green with more of the reddish color. It's not invasive in my tiny garden (Zone 5) – it's grown nicely, but sticks to the small area where I'd planted it a few years ago. Gets tiny white frothy flowers mid-summer that last a long time. Once established, it's very hardy, and you can trim it back (it can get pretty tall) as often as you like. Grows back quickly. I get compliments & questions about mine all summer long. But, if you don't like or want it, by all means -- yank it out. Maybe dig a little bit, too. If it is a native plant, it's likely to have deep, hardy roots.
![Change of Art]()
Change of Art
on Jun 22, 2014
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I don't think its a weed, but it is very aggressive. Has a pretty flower during summer.
![Carol T]()
Carol T
on Jun 22, 2014
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It's a weed...I pull them out by the hundreds
![Elizabeth Miller]()
Elizabeth Miller
on Jun 22, 2014
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Yes, very agressive ,but I gave up and let it grow as a groundcover. Does have a pretty pink flower in summer!
![Sha231360]()
Sha231360
on Jun 22, 2014
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Weed but kind of neat with little pink and white balls for a flower.
![Delores Lasky]()
Delores Lasky
on Jun 22, 2014
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it is a member of the ameranth family it grows profusely and is edible. also the difference between a weed and a "plant" is whether or not you like it if you like it it becomes a plant if you do not it is a weed. hence i have this huge weed in my front yard called a silver maple but my husband loves this "weed"
![April E]()
April E
on Jun 22, 2014
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it's a weed and don't put your hands near your eyes or mouth afterwards. We always called it fast weed. And it burns like crazy. (Past experience as a kid!)
![Carol Pellman]()
Carol Pellman
on Jun 23, 2014
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well i actually do know how to get rid of them but the husband thinks this invasive patio killing cretin of a weed tree is beautiful ...............sigh
![April E]()
April E
on Jun 23, 2014
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definately a weed, wear gloves when you pull it, it burns like hell!(learned that the hard way)
![Sara Schill]()
Sara Schill
on Jun 25, 2014
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Smartweed--couple drops of dilute glysophate will kill it
![Debora]()
Debora
on Jul 07, 2014
Luis
on Jun 20, 2014
D
on Jun 20, 2014
Keri
on Jun 20, 2014
Christa Francis
on Jun 20, 2014
Wendy Willey
on Jun 20, 2014
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Jun 20, 2014
Dtu186937
on Jun 21, 2014
Mssmatch
on Jun 21, 2014
Clara
on Jun 21, 2014
Suzanne Jones
on Jun 21, 2014
Robin Nickel Symes
on Jun 21, 2014
Carole E
on Jun 21, 2014
Penny Cathey
on Jun 21, 2014
Yom
on Jun 21, 2014
Suzanne
on Jun 21, 2014
Kim Hudnall Richmond
on Jun 21, 2014
DiannaLynne
on Jun 21, 2014
Sally
on Jun 21, 2014
Donnie Bouknight
on Jun 21, 2014
Linda B
on Jun 21, 2014
Kathleen Conery
on Jun 21, 2014
Christy
on Jun 21, 2014
Sfwou
on Jun 21, 2014
Paula Palmer
on Jun 21, 2014
Marie Davies
on Jun 21, 2014
Pam Clark
on Jun 21, 2014
Celeste Silva
on Jun 21, 2014
Linda
on Jun 21, 2014
Sherry R
on Jun 21, 2014
Renita Stevenson
on Jun 22, 2014
Sherleen Z
on Jun 22, 2014
Jackie Messer
on Jun 22, 2014
Change of Art
on Jun 22, 2014
Carol T
on Jun 22, 2014
Elizabeth Miller
on Jun 22, 2014
Sha231360
on Jun 22, 2014
Delores Lasky
on Jun 22, 2014
April E
on Jun 22, 2014
Carol Pellman
on Jun 23, 2014
Sara Schill
on Jun 25, 2014
Debora
on Jul 07, 2014
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