Devil'S Shoestring
Polygonum erectum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaErect knotweed is a small native annual with narrow leaves and tiny white to pinkish flowers that bloom from summer into fall. This compact plant forms neat, upright clumps and tolerates poor soils and dry conditions well.
In an HOA neighborhood
Devil'S Shoestring takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks like a weed to most homeowners
- Self-seeds aggressively and can spread beyond intended areas
- Very informal appearance doesn't match typical landscaping standards
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract native bees and beetles throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for small birds and the foliage supports some native moth caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Devil'S Shoestring need?
- Devil'S Shoestring grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Devil'S Shoestring bloom?
- Devil'S Shoestring blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Devil'S Shoestring native?
- Devil'S Shoestring (Polygonum erectum) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 33 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Devil'S Shoestring attract?
- Devil'S Shoestring draws bees and beetles.
- Is Devil'S Shoestring HOA-friendly?
- Devil'S Shoestring takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Devil'S Shoestring? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz