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Pennsylvania smartweed Polygonum pensylvanicum
IDENTIFICATION — At 3 1/2 ft. tall, Pennsylvania smartweed is common east of the Mississippi and in the central states. From late spring to fall it produces clusters of pale-pink or white flowers at the tips of the stems. The green leaves often have a purple spot in the center.
FAVORITE CONDITIONS — You’ll find this weed in cultivated, damp soil in part shade to full sun.
CONTROL — Pennsylvania smartweed spreads by seeds, hand pull or hoe out the plant before it flowers.