Sawatch Knotweed
Polygonum sawatchense
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Sawatch Knotweed (Polygonum sawatchense) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Sawatch knotweed is a compact native perennial that forms low mounds of small leaves with clusters of tiny white or pink flowers from summer into fall. This alpine species stays neat and tidy, making it suitable for rock gardens or as a groundcover in partially sunny areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sawatch Knotweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the late summer blooming period. As a native wildflower, it provides habitat value for local pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sawatch Knotweed need?
- Sawatch Knotweed grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Sawatch Knotweed bloom?
- Sawatch Knotweed blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Sawatch Knotweed native?
- Sawatch Knotweed (Polygonum sawatchense) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Sawatch Knotweed attract?
- Sawatch Knotweed draws bees and beetles.
- Is Sawatch Knotweed HOA-friendly?
- Sawatch Knotweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Sawatch Knotweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz