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Smartweed

Polygonum hydropiperfam. Polygonaceae
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Polygonum hydropiper (Smartweed) — botanical photograph
Pl. ABD0 — Polygonum hydropiper
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Overview

Smartweed, scientifically known as Polygonum hydropiper, is an annual plant native to a wide range of regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria. This adaptable species thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, with a preference for wetter conditions and a pH range of 6.5 to 7. Growing up to 0.8 meters tall, Smartweed is a resilient plant that can be found in diverse climates from Europe to Asia. Its leaves and seeds are edible, making it a valuable resource in culinary contexts. In addition to its culinary uses, Smartweed has been used medicinally across various cultures, though no specific compounds or benefits are listed. The plant's ability to grow in light soil and its moderate need for sunlight (light: 5/10) make it suitable for cultivation in gardens and other outdoor spaces. For optimal growth, ensure the soil is well-draining yet consistently moist to mimic its native habitat in wetter regions. Smartweed's adaptability and resilience make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes, providing both ornamental and practical benefits.

Quick answers

What is Smartweed?

Smartweed, scientifically known as Polygonum hydropiper, is an annual plant native to a wide range of regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria. This adaptable species thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, with a preference for wetter conditions and a pH range of 6.

Compare with:Pygmy smartweed→Red Dock→Red Leg→all comparisons →
IV·b

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Water Harmony
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tincture
Historically used for skin conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Smartweed thrives in wet conditions and prefers light to heavy soils, with a preference for medium texture. It is an annual that grows up to 0.8 meters tall and requires ample water. The plant can tolerate a soil pH of 6.5–7. For optimal growth, provide Smartweed with plenty of light, as it rates a moderate need for sunlight (light: 5/10). Ensure the soil is well-draining yet consistently moist to mimic its native habitat in wetter regions. Propagate through seeds directly sown into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed.
Light
5/10
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers

How to grow Smartweed for the first time

8steps

Start with Smartweed as an easy-to-grow annual plant, focusing on basic care.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, a container or garden bed, and basic gardening tools like a trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with light to medium soil that drains well. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep in the garden bed, or start them indoors and transplant when they are about 2-3 inches tall.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist during germination. Thin seedlings to 1 foot apart once they have several leaves.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially in dry spells. Provide light shade if the weather is very hot and sunny.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back plants after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering during dry spells.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Condiment, Rutin
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

98 native · 64 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 98 native· 64 introduced
Europe24 regions
native (24)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia20 regions
native (19)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIndiaIranJapanKazakhstanMongoliaMyanmarNepalPakistanPhilippinesSouth KoreaSri LankaTaiwanThailandTurkeyUzbekistanVietnam
introduced (1)Georgia
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Andaman Is., Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Hainan, Irkutsk, Jawa, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Malaya, Nansei-shoto, New South Wales, Nicobar Is., Ogasawara-shoto, Primorye, Queensland, Sakhalin, South Australia, Sumatera, Tadzhikistan, Tasmania, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Tuva, Victoria, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Chile Central, Chile South, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, KwaZulu-Natal, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Provinces, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Polygonum hydropiper (Smartweed) — botanical photograph
Smartweed (Polygonum hydropiper)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

Companion planting
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About this entry

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