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Prostrate Knotweed

Polygonum aviculare

Last reviewed: June 2026

Prostrate Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)
Photo: Johann Georg Sturm (Painter: Jacob Sturm) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

2"–12" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CO

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California/Northern Baja CoastCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeChihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsSonoran Basin and Range

Prostrate knotweed is a low-growing annual that forms a spreading mat close to the ground. This hardy plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers from summer through early fall and tolerates poor soils and dry conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Prostrate Knotweed 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.

  • Commonly considered a weed
  • Can spread aggressively
  • Very informal appearance unsuitable for maintained landscapes

Wildlife value

This plant provides modest wildlife value, offering small seeds for birds and some nectar for small pollinators during its extended bloom period.

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.

Does Prostrate Knotweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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