Polygonum Sp. - Knotweed
"Habit: Annual, perennial herb to shrub. Stem: prostrate to erect, 8--16-ribbed or 4--5-angled with ribs 0 or obscure; glabrous or papillate-scabrous. Leaf: cauline, alternate, petioled or not; ocrea generally jointed to leaf, generally cylindric proximally, generally translucent distally, white or silvery, 2-lobed, glabrous, disintegrating to fibers or completely; blade linear, lanceolate, elliptic, ovate, or subround, entire. Inflorescence: axillary, terminal, generally spike-like; peduncle 0; pedicels present or 0, included in to exserted from bractlets; flowers 1--7(10). Flower: bisexual, base not stalk-like; perianth not enlarging, bell- to urn-shaped, glabrous, white or green-white to pink; perianth parts 5, fused 3--60[70]%, petal- or sepal-like, similar [or not], outer +- keeled or not, < to > inner, midveins generally a different shade or color than rest of perianth; stamens 3--8 (some staminodes or not), filaments or at least innermost free, wider at base, fused to perianth tube or not, anthers elliptic to oblong, white-yellow or generally pink to purple (orange-pink); styles (2)3, generally spreading, free or fused basally, stigmas 2--3, head-like. Fruit: included or exserted, wings 0, angles (2)3, 1 face much narrower than other (1)2 or not; tip beak-like, yellow-green, brown, or black. Seed: embryo curved."
Species In Genus: "+- 65 species: +- worldwide; sect. Duravia restricted to western North America. Etymology: (Greek: poly, many, gony, knee joint, or gone, seed, of uncertain meaning) Note: Many species of sect. Polygonum with 2 kinds of fruit, differing in germination and morphology (summer fruit brown, ovate, tubercled to smooth; late-season fruit olive-green, lanceolate, smooth, 2--5 × > summer), but of little taxonomic importance. Mature, early-season plants with leaves, flowers, fruits needed for identification. Flowers "closed" or "1/2-open" should be determined on herbarium specimens. Other taxa in TJM (1993) moved to Aconogonon, Bistorta, Fallopia, Persicaria." [Jepson]
Comment: "There is a close taxonomical relationship between Persicaria, Bistorta and Polygonum." [Personal Observation]
Local Species;
- Polygonum achoreum - Blake's knotweed
- Polygonum arenastrum - Oval-leaved knotweed
- Polygonum aviculare - Common knotweed [E-flora][PCBC][TSFTK]
- Polygonum buxiforme - eastern knotweed
- Polygonum douglasii - Douglas's knotweed [E-flora][PCBC]
- Polygonum fowleri - Fowler's knotweed [E-flora][PCBC]
- Polygonum minimum - leafy dwarf knotweed [E-flora][PCBC]
- Polygonum nuttallii - Nuttall's knotweed
- Polygonum paronychia - Black knotweed [E-flora][PCBC][TSFTK]
Polygonum arenastrum - Oval-leaved knotweed
- Syn:
- Polygonum aequale Lindm.
- Polygonum aviculare var. arenastrum (Jord. ex Boreau) Rouy
- Polygonum montereyense Brenckle [IFBC-E-flora]4
- "Polygonum arenastrum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in flower from Jun to October, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, self.The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure." [PFAF]3
- General: Annual or occasionally perennial herb from a taproot; stems prostrate, ascending or sometimes erect, several, usually 3-angled, at least when young, usually branched, the main branches 10-80 cm tall/long. [IFBC-E-flora]4
- Leaves: Basal leaves narrowly lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, pale or bluish-green, the blades 5-15 mm long, unstalked, jointed at the base; stem leaves alternate, stem and branch leaves usually similar, reduced upwards; sheathing stipules silvery, 4-6 mm long, ragged. [IFBC-E-flora]4
- Flowers: Inflorescence of 1-5 flowers in axillary clusters; perianths 2-3 mm long, green with pink or white margins, 5-lobed more than 1/2 the distance to the base. [IFBC-E-flora]4
- Fruits: Achenes, with one side concave and two sides convex, brown, dull, pimply in lines,1.6-2.2 mm long. [IFBC-E-flora]4
- Notes:Often mistaken for P. aviculare, a species having stem and branch leaves dissimilar. [IFBC-E-flora]4
- Habitat/Range: Mesic to dry disturbed sites, roadsides and waste places in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; infrequent in S BC, rare northward to 53degreeN; introduced from Eurasia. [IFBC-E-flora]4
- Status: Exotic [IFBC-E-flora]4
Hazards: [Same as for Persicaria maculosa] [PFAF]3
Edible Uses: "Young leaves and plants - raw or cooked[105, 177]. Used as a potherb[183], they are very rich in zinc[179]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. Seed - raw or cooked. Rather small and fiddly to utilize, they can be used in all the ways that buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is used, either whole or dried and ground into a powder for use in pancakes, biscuits and piñole[4, 55, 106, 161, 183]. The leaves are a tea substitute[183]." [PFAF]3
Other Uses: "Yields a blue dye that is not much inferior to indigo[115]. The part used is not specified, but it is likely to be the leaves. Yellow and green dyes are obtained from the whole plant[168]. The roots contain tannins, but the quantity was not given[223]." [PFAF]3
Medicinal Uses: "Knotweed is a safe and effective astringent and diuretic herb that is used mainly in the treatment of complaints such as dysentery and haemorrhoids. It is also taken in the treatment of pulmonary complaints because the silicic acid it contains strengthens connective tissue in the lungs[254]. The whole plant is anthelmintic, astringent, cardiotonic, cholagogue, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, lithontripic and vulnerary[4, 7, 9, 21, 53, 147, 172, 176, 178]. It was formerly widely used as an astringent both internally and externally in the treatment of wounds, bleeding, piles and diarrhoea[4]. Its diuretic properties make it useful in removing stones[4]. An alcohol-based preparation has been used with success to treat varicose veins of recent origin[7]. The plant is harvested in the summer and early autumn and is dried for later use[9]. The leaves are anthelmintic, diuretic and emollient[218]. The whole plant is anthelmintic, antiphlogistic and diuretic[218]. The juice of the plant is weakly diuretic, expectorant and vasoconstrictor[218]. Applied externally, it is an excellent remedy to stay bleeding of the nose and to treat sores[4]. The seeds are emetic and purgative[4, 240]. Recent research has shown that the plant is a useful medicine for bacterial dysentery. Of 108 people with this disease, 104 recovered within 5 days when treated internally with a paste of knotweed[254]." [PFAF]3
Cultivation: "Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[200]. Repays generous treatment, in good soils the plant will cover an area up to a metre in diameter[1, 4]. Prefers an acid soil[20]. Dislikes shade. Knotweed is a common and invasive weed of cultivated ground[7]. It is an important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterflies[30]. It also produces an abundance of seeds and these are a favourite food for many species of birds[4]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. The flowers have little or no scent or honey and are rarely visited by pollinating insects. Self-fertilization is the usual method of reproduction, though cross-fertilization by insects does sometimes occur[4]. The plant also produces cleistogomous flowers - these never open and therefore are always self-fertilized[4]. The plant is very variable according to habitat and is seen by most botanists as part of an aggregate species of 4 very variable species, viz. - P. aviculare. L.; P. boreale. (Lange.)Small.; P. rurivacum. Jord. ex Box.; and P. arenastrum. Bor[17]." [PFAF]3
Propagation: "Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer." [PFAF]3
Polygonum aviculare; - Knot Grass
Synonyms
- Polygonum aviculare var. angustissimum Meisn.
- Polygonum aviculare var. vegetum Ledeb.
- Polygonum heterophyllum Lindl.
- Polygonum monspeliense Pers.
- Polygonum neglectum Besser
- Polygonum provinciale K. Koch
- Polygonum rurivagum Jord. ex Boreau [IFBC-E-flora]1
Description:
- General: Annual herb from a taproot stems prostrate to erect, several, branched, ridged, 10-100 cm tall/long. [IFBC-E-flora]1
- Leaves: Basal leaves lacking; stem leaves alternate, widely linear to lanceolate-oblong, mostly bluish-green, the blades 1-3 cm long, slightly reduced upwards, the stalks short, jointed; branch leaves smaller than stem leaves; sheathing stipules brown, ragged, 3-6 mm long. [IFBC-E-flora]1
- Flowers: Inflorescence of 1-3 axillary flowers; perianths 2-3 mm long, greenish with white or pink to red margins, 5-lobed more than 1/2 the distance to the base. [IFBC-E-flora]1
- Fruits: Achenes, 3-angled, dark brown, obscurely lined lengthwise, pimply, 2.8-3.5 mm long, included to slightly exserted. [IFBC-E-flora]1
- Habitat/Range: "Widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions." [Abbasi WEVLH] "Mesic to dry disturbed sites, roadsides and waste places; common in S BC, less frequent northward; introduced from Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]1
- Status: Exotic [IFBC-E-flora]1
Hazards: "Abortifacient effects" [Capasso PQR]
Edible Uses:
Other Uses:
Medicinal Uses
"The medicinal parts are the herb, sometimes with the root, collected during the flowering season and dried, as well as the fresh aerial parts collected during the flowering season." [PDR]
- Dosages:
- Preparation: "To make a tea, place 1.5 gm finely cut drug in cold water and bring to a simmer. Strain after 5 to 10 minutes (1 teaspoonful = 1.4 gm drug)." [PDR]
- "Daily Dosage: The daily dosage is 4 to 6 gm of drug." [PDR]
- "Tea—As a supportive treatment for coughs and bronchial catarrh, drink 1 cup 3 to 5 times a day." [PDR]
- "Infusion for external use—The daily dose is 5 g drug." [PDR]
- Homeopathy: "In homeopathy, Polygonum aviculare is used for rheumatism of the fingers." [PDR]
- Homeopathic Dosage: "5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every 30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic); parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc, acute: 3 times daily; chronic: once a day (HAB34)" [PDR]
- Chinese Medicine: "In China, Knotweed is used for gonorrhoea, jaundice, skin defects, dysentery (red), itching and tapeworm in children." [PDR]
- "In folk medicine it is used as a supportive treatment for pulmonary disorders, as a perspiration inhibitorin cases of tuberculosis, as a diuretic, as a hemostatic in cases of hemorrhage and for skin disorders." [PDR]
- Diarrhoea/Dysentery: "Fresh leaves are boiled in water and decoction is taken orally to cure diarrhoea and dysentery." [Abbasi WEVLH]
Activities: "The whole plant is anthelmintic, astringent, cardiotonic, diuretic, febrifuge, hemostatic, in the treatment of wounds, bleeding, piles." [Abbasi WEVLH] "Knotweed has astringent properties." [PDR]
"This is an astringent, useful in diarrhoea and other
such ailments (Grieve. 1931), which would include
haemorrhages. A Somerset remedy for nosebleed is
to rub the plant into the nostrils (Tongue. 1965). It
has been used for many other ailments, as recommended by the early herbalists. There is a leechdom
from the 15th century for earache, for example, using
the juice in the ear, “and it shall take away the aching wondrously well” (Dawson). In Chinese medicine,
the juice is used in skin diseases, and for piles
(F P Smith), and also for bladder complaints (Geng
Junying)." [DPL Watts]
Phytochemicals:
- Flavonoids (0.1-1%): chief components are avicularin (quercetin-3-arabinoside), hyperoside, quercitrin, quercetin 3-galactoside, additionally including among others vitexin, isovitexin, rhamnazine bisulphate
- Silicic acid (1%): partially water-soluble
- Tannins
- Hydroxycoumarins: umbelliferone, scopoletin
- Lignans: aviculin [PDR]
- Aerial parts: "Flavonoids, silicic aid, tannins, lignans" [Capasso PQR]
- Flavone Glycosides:
- 7-Glucoside-4’-(Z-2-methyl-2-butenoate) - Whole Plant [Andersen FCBA]
- (7-glucoside-4’-angelate) - Whole Plant [Andersen FCBA]
Alleleopathic: Against Cynodon dactylon. [Cheema Alleleopathy]
Dynamic Accumulator:
- "Polygonum aviculare accumulated Zn a concentrations near to the criteria for hyperaccumulator plants (9,236 mg kg-1)." [Bini&Bec,2014]
Polygonum douglasii - Douglas's knotweed
- Synonyms
- Polygonum austiniae Greene
- Polygonum douglasii var. austiniae (Greene) M.E. Jones [IFBC-E-flora]2
- Description:
- "Polygonum douglasii is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil." [PFAF]2
- General: Annual herb from a small taproot; stems ascending to erect, numerous, simple to freely branched, 10-40 cm tall. [IFBC-E-flora]2
- Leaves: Basal leaves lacking; stem leaves alternate, linear to narrowly oblong, egg-shaped or elliptic, the blades 1-8 cm long, unstalked or nearly so, sometimes reduced to bracts above; stipules short-sheathing, 5-12 mm long, clear, becoming ragged. [IFBC-E-flora]2
- Flowers: Inflorescence of few flowers in elongate axillary racemes; perianths 1.5-5 mm long, greenish with white or pinkish margins, 5-lobed nearly to the base. [IFBC-E-flora]2
- Fruits: Achenes, lanceolate to egg-shaped, sometimes 3-angled, black, smooth and shiny, 2-4 mm long. [IFBC-E-flora]2
- Habitat/Range: Moist to dry rocky slopes and disturbed sites in the lowland and montane zones; frequent in SC BC and on Vancouver Island, rare elsewhere in BC; E to PQ and S to NY, UT, NM and CA. [IFBC-E-flora]2
- Status: Native [IFBC-E-flora]2
- Hazards: [Same as for Persicaria maculosa] [PFAF]2
- Edible Uses: "Leaves - raw or cooked. Seed - dried then ground into a powder and mixed with cornmeal or other cereals for making bread etc[46, 61, 105, 161, 257]. The seed is rather small and fiddly to utilize, it is enclosed in a dry papery hull[207]." [PFAF]2
- Propagation: "Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer." [PFAF]2
Polygonum fowleri - Fowler's knotweed
- Synonyms
- Polygonum buxifolium Nutt. ex Bong. [IFBC-E-flora]3
- General: Annual (occasionally biennial) herb from a taproot; stems prostrate to ascending, several, branched, round in cross-section, grooved, 10-30 (50) cm tall/long. [IFBC-E-flora]3
- Leaves: Basal leaves lacking; stem leaves alternate, oblong or egg-shaped, usually overlapping but not crowded, the blades 1.5-3 cm long, somewhat reduced upward, the stalks short to long, jointed at the base; stipules ragged, 3-6 mm long. [IFBC-E-flora]3
- Flowers: Inflorescence of few to several flowers in axillary clusters; perianths about 3-4.5 mm long, greenish with pink margins, 5-lobed about 2/3 the distance to the base. [IFBC-E-flora]3
- Fruits: Achenes, 3-angled, olive-green to yellowish-brown, lance-egg-shaped, nearly smooth, usually shiny, usually exserted 1-3 mm. [IFBC-E-flora]3
- Habitat / Range: Salt marshes and sandy or gravelly shorelines in the lowland zone; infrequent in coastal BC; N to AK, E to NF and S to OR. [IFBC-E-flora]3
- Status: Native [IFBC-E-flora]3
Polygonum paronychia - Black knotweed (beach knotweed)
- Blue Listed [IFBC-E-flora]5
- General: Perennial semi-shrub from a strong, fibrous root; stems prostrate to ascending, several, freely branched, smooth, rooting at the branch nodes, 30-100 cm tall/long. [IFBC-E-flora]5
- Leaves: Basal leaves lacking; stem leaves alternate, narrowly oblong but rolled under and so appearing linear in outline, the blades 1-2 cm long, unstalked; stipules translucent, ragged. [IFBC-E-flora]5
- Flowers: Inflorescence of several flowers in clusters in the upper leaf axils; perianths white to pink, 5-6 mm long, unequally 5-lobed 1/2 to 3/4 the distance to the base. [IFBC-E-flora]5
- Fruits: Achenes, 3-angled, 4-5 mm long, black, smooth, shiny. [IFBC-E-flora]5
- Habitat/Range: Moist to mesic sand dunes and beaches in the lowland zone; infrequent on S Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands; S to CA. [IFBC-E-flora]5
- Status: Native [IFBC-E-flora]5
Species Mentioned;
P. viviparum.[Turner&Kuhnlein] P. bistorta, P. bistortoides, P. amphibium, P. aviculare, P. alaskanum. [Schofield] Polygonum bistortoides. P. viviparum.[Harrington] (Polygonum
bistortoides, P. viviparum, P. persicaria) [Meuninck EWPUH] Water Smartweed (P. amphibium), Bistort (P. bistortoides), California Knotweed (P. californicum), Davis’ Polygonum (P. davisiae), Polygonum (P. douglasii), Leafy Dwarf Knotweed (P. minimum), Parry’s Knotweed (P. parryi), Alpine Knotweed (P. phytolacceafolium), Knotweed (P. polygaloides), Shasta Knotweed (P. shastense) [Vizgirdas WPSN]
Hazards
All species contain tannins; large amounts over long periods might spark digestive upset and possible kidney damage. Skin reactions, including hypersensitivity to light, have been known to occur in some individuals. In moderate quantities, the genus is generally regarded as quite safe. [PFAF]
P. bistorta, P. douglasii, P. polystachyum, P. persicaria, P. sachalinense; Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people. Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].[PFAF]
Edible Uses
"Experimentation may be the rule for Polygonum, as none of the
species is known to be poisonous. The species do, however, vary in degrees of
palatability. Tannins are found in the plants, and large amounts might cause
digestive upset and possible kidney damage. In moderate quantities, however, the
genus is generally regarded as safe. Based on our experiments with various species, some have peppery-tasting leaves that can be used in flavoring foods. Others
have starchy roots that may be eaten raw or boiled and roasted. Still others have
young foliage made into good salads or potherbs. In our opinion, of all the
species, Polygonum bistortoides (bistort) tastes the best." [Vizgirdas WPSN]
- "Young leaves and shoots edible raw or sautéed in butter; slightly sour taste—older leaves tough and stringy. Leaves in salads and cooked with meat. Starchy root is edible, boiled in soups and stews, or soaked in water, dried and pounded (ground) into flour for biscuits, rolls, bread. Cooked roots said to taste like almonds, chestnuts. Seeds are edible and pleasant tasting." [Meuninck EWPUH]
- "Vitamin C–rich plant used to treat or prevent scurvy. Alcohol tincture is astringent and used externally on cuts, abrasions, pimples, insect stings and bites, inflammation, and infections. Little used today as a medicinal. Traditional uses still employed by montane-dwelling Native Americans and Europeans." [Meuninck EWPUH]
Greens
Added to salads and soups, and steamed as a potherb. Spring to summer.[Schofield]
Seeds
Nutty and flavored like buckwheat; sprinkle them on bread and buscuit dough in place of poppy seeds. They can be dried and ground as a flour extender for making bannock and other baked goods. Late summer.[Schofield] "The seeds have been used whole or ground into flour. The seeds of Polygonum are described as a prehistoric food source and are frequently found in archaeological remains." [Vizgirdas WPSN]
Rhizome
Short, fleshy rhizomes were eaten.[Turner&Kuhnlein] Rhizomes of P. bistorta and P. viviparum can be roasted on campfire coals. Due to their small size, you may prefer to add a few sliced rootstocks to stir-fries (for crisp texture and an almond like flavor) rather than relying on them as a potato substitute. They are also good in soups and stews. Spring and fall.[Schofield] "A decoction of the roots can be made for a sore mouth or gums. The root can
also be used as an astringent, diuretic, antiseptic, and alterative. The roots were
eaten by maritime explorers to prevent scurvy." [Vizgirdas WPSN]
Other Uses
Root
Bistort salve is applied externally for bleeding piles and itchy skin diseases. Sprinkling the root powder on a shaving cut quickly coagulates the blood; the powder blended with clay and water forms a paste used on abscesses and insect stings. [Schofield]
Since the Middie Ages, Polygonum root poultices have been applied to foul sores and
bites of "serpents and venemous beasts." Sailors and explorers looked to Polygonum leaves for vitamin C to combat scurvy.[Schofield]
More Food Uses
Rhizome: Said to be starchy and slightly astringent, and, although edible raw, they are most palatable when cooked. Reported to be a choice delicacy of several Inuit tribes, who preserve them by freezing, or in seal oil. The Fisherman Lake Slave dug them in July and fried them for eating. The fresh rhizomes could be stored in underground caches. The Lime Village Tanaina of Alaska ate the roots raw, and chewed them to clean the teeth after eating fish eggs.[Turner&Kuhnlein]
For the two species: The two kinds have similar uses but the American Bistort has the advantage of producing larger rootstocks. The young leaves can be used as a potherb and are said to have a
pleasingly tart taste. The rootstocks have often been used by the Indians, some tribes esteeming them highly. We ate some of the rootstocks raw and thought them starchy and rather pleasant, with no bitter taste to the rind or contents. Some of the older ones were slightly fibrous and we would recommend cooking them. It does not seem necessary to peel them, which would be difficult to do in any case, since the surface is so rough and irregular. However, we must admit this peel does not improve the appearance of the cooked product. [Harrington]
We boiled them for 40 minutes and ate them with salt, pepper and butter, peel and all. The taste was rather starchy, but very pleasant. One of us compared the flavor to that of the water chestnut of Japan. We also wrapped the rootstocks in aluminum foil and baked them for 40 minutes in an oven at 300 to 325 degrees F. When eaten with butter, salt and pepper they were judged to be an excellent food, with a sweet, pleasant, nutty taste. [Harrington]
Our two species are often abundant, the rootstocks are borne shallowly in the soil (although rather hard to dig), so they are fairly easy to secure in quantities; they are edible raw and are very palatable cooked. These plants would be excellent to try on a camping or fishing trip, and make a good emergency food in the higher elevations in the mountains. [Harrington]
Phytochemicals
"Some species of Polygonum (knotweed) contain stilbene phytoestrogens, including resveratrol." [SEHM]
Nutritional Info
Knotweed – Polygonum sp.[Turner&Kuhnlein]
Part: Bulbs Per 100 g fresh weight
Protein (g) 1.7
Calcium (mg) 11
Magnesium (mg) 33
Fat (g) 0.2
Phosphorus (mg) 44
Iron (mg) 2.3
Carbohydrate (g) 1.8
Sodium (mg) 3.8
Manganese (mg) 0.4
Crude Fiber (g) 0.6
Potassium (mg) 71
Ash (g) 0.3
Ecology
"Montane meadows play important ecological roles. They break up the
mixed evergreen and lower and upper montane forests, giving the landscape
a quiltwork pattern and creating ecotones, areas of rich biodiversity where
forest and meadow merge.The rare great gray owl forages primarily in montane meadows, and a host of other wildlife species, such as a grouse that feeds
on knotweed (Polygonum spp.), regularly use and visit them. Ungulates,
such as mule deer, gravitate to meadows, making these clearings opportune
places for hunting.44" [Anderson TTW]
Related Sp.
"Some species of Polygonum, called "Smartweeds," have an acrid juice in the stems and leaves, but these species all have two or more flower clusters to a stem and have only a distant resemblance
to our two plants. Even some of these, such as Polygonum persicaria) have been used as a salad or as a seasoning. The Japanese Knotweed (P. cuspidatum) with broad leaves cut off square at the base, is often planted as an ornamental and sometimes runs wild, even becoming weedlike. The young shoots have been cooked like asparagus and the rootstocks boiled or baked. The seeds of several kinds of Polygonum have been used as food after being parched and ground into meal but they would surely be tedious to gather in quantity." [Harrington]
"The leaf juice [of Citrus medica], combined with that of Polygonum and Indigofera is taken after childbirth." [EMNMPV.4]
- Polygonum alaskanum - Alaska/Wild rhubarb
- Syn: Aconogonon alaskanum (Small) Soják [Jernigan EYK]
- Distribution: "Polygonum alaskanum is found over a wide range of central and western Alaska." [Jernigan EYK]
- Edible Uses: Leaves harvested for consumption in spring and summer. [AJA 7.2] "Young shoots, ca. 15-30 cm tall, are collected in spring and eaten fresh like celery, used as greens like spinach, or made into pies or gravy (sauce). Wild rhubarb is also the primary ingredient in Indian pudding in which young stems and leaves are peeled, boiled together with a thickener such as white flour, and sweetened with sugar to taste." [Holloway&Alexander,1990] "The leaves can be eaten raw and the stem can be cooked to make pies." [Jernigan EYK]
- Polygonum bistorta - Pink plumes, Bistort
- Syn: "Persicaria bistorta (L.) Samp." [EMNMPV.9]
- Hazards: [Same as for Persicaria maculosa] [PFAF]1
- Edible Uses:
- Leaves: "Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 7, 9, 103]. One report says that they are rather bitter[5], but we have found them to have a fairly mild flavour, especially when the leaves are young, though the texture is somewhat chewy when they are eaten raw[7, K]. They make an excellent substitute for spinach[183]. In Northern England the leaves are an ingredient of a bitter Lenten pudding, called Easter ledger pudding, that is eaten at Lent[183]. The leaves are available from late winter in most years and can be eaten until the early autumn though they become much tougher as the season progresses[K]. The leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C[257], a nutritional analysis is available[218]." [PFAF]1 Leaves preserved in seal oil and eaten with any meat or eaten raw in salads. [UMDEth-1] "The leaves were boiled in broth, with barley, chives, etc., and served to accompany veal and bacon. ...the last two weeks of Lent was the proper time to eat this pudding, but many people make enough to freeze, to have for breakfast on Christmas Day.... The Yorkshire and Cumbria Dock Pudding is not apparently connected with Easter, but is simply a cheap meal. It contains bistort, young nettles, onions and oatmeal. The mixture would be simmered till cooked, strained and allowed to go cold. Then slices would be fried, with bacon. The Cumbrian version was more elaborate, with a lot more different spring leaves (Schofield). Bistort leaves contain starch, and have been used as a marginal food (Browning), in fact they can provide a form of flour once the tannin has been steeped out (Dimbleby)." [DPL Watts]
- Polygonum bistorta var. plumosum (Small) Boivin - Leaves mixed with other greens, cooked and eaten.[UMDEth-2]
- Leaves and root stalk harvested for consumption in spring and fall. [AJA 7.2]
- Nutritional Info (Leaves Per 100 g fresh weight); 0 Calories per 100g, Water : 82.6%, Protein: 3g; Fat: 0.8g; Carbohydrate: 7.9g; Fibre: 3.2g; Ash: 2.4g; [218][PFAF]1
- Seed - "raw or cooked[172]. The seed is very small and rather fiddly to utilize[K]." [PFAF]1
- Root - "raw or cooked[7, 172, 257]. Rich in starch and tannin, it is steeped in water and then roasted in order to reduce the tannin content[4, 115]. It is then said to be a tasty and nutritious food[4]. The root has also been boiled or used in soups and stews[183] and can be dried then ground into a powder and used in making bread[4]. The root contains 30% starch, 1% calcium oxalate and 15 - 36% tannin[218]."[PFAF]1 "Rhizomes are eaten after roasting or sliced for stir-fries or added to soups and stews". [EMNMPV.9]
- Other Use:
- Tannin: "The roots contain up to 21% tannin[223]." [PFAF]1
- Medicinal Use: "Bistort is one of the most strongly astringent of all herbs and it is used to contract tissues and staunch blood flow[254]." [PFAF]1
- Leaves: "The leaves are astringent and have a great reputation in the treatment of wounds[4]." [PFAF]1
- Root: "The root is powerfully astringent, demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative and strongly styptic[4, 218]. It is gathered in early spring when the leaves are just beginning to shoot, and then dried[4]. It is much used, both internally and externally, in the treatment of internal and external bleeding, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera etc[4, 9, 13, 21, 147, 165, 172]. It is also taken internally in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including catarrh, cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis and excessive menstruation[238, 254]. Externally, it makes a good wash for small burns and wounds, and is used to treat pharyngitis, stomatitis, vaginal discharge, anal fissure etc[238, 254]. A mouth wash or gargle is used to treat spongy gums, mouth ulcers and sore throats[254]. In Chinese medicine the rhizome is used for: epilepsy, fever, tetanus, carbuncles, snake and mosquito bites, scrofula and cramps in hands and feet [301]. Considered useful in diabetes [301]." [PFAF]1
- Phytochemicals:
- 24(E)–Ethylidenecycloartanone (Cycloartane Triterpenoids) - Melting Point: 135.4 - 137.10C [Azimova CTG]
- Cultivation: "Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[200]. The plant repays generous treatment[1]. A very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -25°c[187]. Bistort was formerly cultivated as a medicinal and edible plant[4], though it has now fallen into virtual disuse. Plants are somewhat spreading, forming quite extensive colonies[187] especially in low-lying pastures[4]. They seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]." [PFAF]1
- Polygonum equisetiforme; "Our investigations revealed that in Bigadiç, Balikesir boron mining area Polygonum equisetiforme was tolerating high levels of boron." [Ashraf PAP]
- Polygonum lapathifolium
- Phytochemicals:
- Angelafolone (20,40-Dihydroxy-30,60-dimethoxy-50-angeloyloxychalcone) [Azimova NC]
- Polygonum minus
- "In a 12-week, randomised, doubleblind, placebo-controlled study of healthy men aged 40–65 years old, supplementation of Physta (a freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia) combined with Polygonum minus was found to enhance sexual performance Udani et al. 2014). Significant improvements were noted in scores for the Sexual Intercourse Attempt diary, Erection Hardness Scale, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, and Ageing Male Symptom scale. No clinical abnormalities were observed and the supplementation was well tolerated." [EMNMPV.11]
- Polygonum muhlenbergii S. Wats. (Polygonaceae). swamp persicaria.
- "The Flambeau Ojibwa of North America smoked this and other species as a hunting medicine to attract deer (Smith 1932)." [UAPDS]
- Polygonum multiflorum
- Syn: Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. = Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Haraldson [EMNMPV.8][EMNMPV.9]
- Edible Use: "Flowers eaten in China" [EMNMPV.8] "China: roots are boiled in changes of water to remove the bitter principle and then eaten. Rhizome is used as famine and health food. [EMNMPV.9]
- Other Use:
- Hair: "It is marketed for the relief of a variety of conditions, including early graying of the hair and baldness." [SEHM]
- Medicinal Use: "Polygonum multiflorum (witch hazel) is often recommended for topical use but in traditional Chinese medicine it is also used orally. Although Polygonum multiflorum has been recommended for ‘‘enrichment of the liver’’ it has itself been implicated in liver damage (4)." [SEHM] "A laxative, detoxicant for boils. Treat neurosis, neurasthenia, insomnia, hypercholesterolemia." [CRNAH]
- Actions: Herbal Aphrodisiac [BMWH]
- Phytochemicals: The root was found to contain 74ppm of selenium. [Downum PPTP]
- "(root, stem, leaf) Chrysophenol, emodin, emodin methyl ester, rhein, glycoside rhaphantin, lecithin, parietin, chrysophanic acid, anthron." [CRNAH]
- Polygonum odoratum (Persicaria odorata (Lour.) Sojak.) - Vietnamese Mint/Coriander
- Taxonomy: "Persicaria odorata (Lour.) Soják [This species should not be confused with Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce, angular Solomon's seal, a Eurasian herb of the lily family, that is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental.] Potter et al. (1993) state that the identity of the plant known as rau ram in North America is somewhat uncertain, and they imply that it may be the same species that has been identified as Polygonum minus Hud." [Small CH]
- Location and Climate Range: "The plant is cultivated in Australia for a number of years. Literature searches reveal very little about the origin, but most probably introduced into Australia by immigrants from South-East Asia. Polygonum minus Huds is spread across South-East Asia, where the taxonomy is very similar to P. odoratum. Both varieties are very similar, except P. odoratum has a broader leaf. The chemotaxonomy of both varieties is very similar [52]." [Hunter EO]
- Food Use: "The baby leaves have a pungent coriander flavor, while the mature leaves have a hot, pungent, peppery flavor that can dominate. Use as a fresh leaf condiment, at the end of cooking. Important in Asian cuisane, this herb is used in noodle soups (pho) from vegetables, seafood, or meat, and also in stir-fried meat and vegetable dishes." [mcvicar GH]
- Medicinal Use: "Medicinally, it is drunk as an infusion to ease indigestion. To get rid of dandruff, the leaves are pounded to extract the kesum oil, which is then massaged into the scalp prior to washing." [mcvicar GH]
- Economic and Potential Uses: "As a source of natural aliphatic aldehydes, as a flvouring material and for natural aldehydic notes in perfumery." [Hunter EO]
- Part of the Plant Containing Oil: "Leaves and to a lessor extent, the stems. Yields of P. odoratum oil in North-East Victoria are higher than yields in Northern Malaysia, which is probably due to the milder climate in Victoria [53]." [Hunter EO]
- Method of Extraction: Steam distillation [Hunter EO]
- Chemical Constituents: "1-decanol (alcohol C10) 3-4.0%, 1-dodecanol (alcohol C12) 5- 12.0%, decanal (aldehyde C10) 20-25.0% and dodecanal (aldehyde C12) 45-50.0% [54]." [Hunter EO]
- Cultivation: "Grow in ordinary soil in sun or part shade. Makes a good container plant where it can be kept in bounds. Take rooted cuttings to overwinter in colder climates." [NAH Orr]
- Polygonum pennsylvanicum
- "...contains vanicosides, glycosides that inhibit protein kinase C (3)." [SEHM] "An ethanolic extract of P. pensylvanicum was one of those screened and was found to inhibit PKC activity with an IC50 of 38 µg/ml.22" [Cutler BANPP]
- Polygonum tinctorium - Contains tryptanthrin [AlkChem&Pharm29]
- Polygonum viviparum - Alpine bistort, Wild rhubarb - Rhizome, bud, leaves and root are harvested for consumption in spring and summer. [AJA 7.2]
- Syn: Persicaria vivipara [EMNMPV.9]
- Food Use: "Rhizomes are eaten after roasting or sliced for stir-fries or added to soups and stews". [EMNMPV.9] "...according to the Chukchi must be collected immediately after the snow leaves the ground and before the first leaves appear. Only the rhizome, which is of the size of an unshelled peanut, is used; but to find and collect it in early spring certainly is no easy task. Nevertheless, even full-grown people, according to Kjellman, engaged in the collecting, and with surprisingly good results." [Porslid EPA]
- ectomycorrhizal "Some herbaceous species, such as... Polygonum viviparum, also form ectomycorrhizas. The symbiosis is ectotrophic, without fungal penetration of host cells, and characterised by the formation of a more or less well-developed fungal sheath or mantle enveloping the short roots..." [BassiriRad NAP]
References
- Bini&Bec,2014 - Chapter 7 Remediation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Contaminated Soils, Jaume Bech, Maria Manuela Abreu, Hyo-Taek Chon, and Nuria Roca, from C. Bini and J. Bech (eds.), PHEs, Environment and Human Health, DOI 10.1007/978-94-017-8965-3_7, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014
- E-flora
- [1] Polygonum aviculare, http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Polygonum%20aviculare&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed March 12, 2017
- [2] Polygonum douglasii, http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Polygonum%20douglasii&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed March 12, 2017
- [3] Polygonum fowleri, http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Polygonum%20fowleri&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed March 12, 2017
- [4] Polygonum arenastrum, http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Polygonum%20arenastrum&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed March 13, 2017
- [5] Polygonum paronychia, http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Polygonum%20paronychia&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed March 13, 2017
- Holloway&Alexander,1990 - Ethnobotany of the Fort Yukon Region, Alaska, PATRICIA S. HOLLOWAY AND GINNV ALEXANDER, Economic Botany, 44(2), 1990, pp. 214-225, 1990, by the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458
- Jepson - Mihai Costea 2017. Polygonum, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, http://ucjeps.berkeley.edueflora_display.php?tid=8798, accessed on March 12, 2017.
- PFAF
- [UMD-Eth]
- (1)Jones, Anore 1983 Nauriat Niginaqtuat = Plants That We Eat. Kotzebue, Alaska. Maniilaq Association Traditional Nutrition Program (p. 19)
- (2)Heller, Christine A. 1953 Edible and Poisonous Plants of Alaska. University of Alaska (p. 49)