Davis' knotweed facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Davis' knotweed
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Aconogonon davisiae (W.H.Brewer ex A.Gray) Soják Aconogonon davisiae var. glabrum (G.N.Jones) S.P.Hong Aconogonon newberryi (Small) Soják Polygonum davisiae W.H.Brewer ex A.Gray Polygonum newberryi Small Polygonum newberryi var. glabrum G.N.Jones

Koenigia davisiae is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the knotweed family. People often call it Davis' knotweed or Newberry knotweed. This plant is known for growing in tough mountain areas.

Where Does Davis' Knotweed Grow?

Koenigia davisiae is found in the western United States. You can see it in states like Washington, Oregon, and California. There are also some groups of these plants in central Idaho.

Mountain Homes for Koenigia davisiae

This plant loves to live in high mountain places. It often grows in areas with loose rocks, called talus. It also likes fellfields, which are windy, open areas high up in the mountains.

What Does Davis' Knotweed Look Like?

Koenigia davisiae is a plant that lives for many years. It grows a stem that can lie flat or stand upright. This stem comes from a strong, woody base called a caudex. The plant can grow up to about 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) tall.

Leaves and Stems

The leaves of this plant are usually oval-shaped with a pointed tip. Some leaves might be more triangular. They are often yellowish or light green and have a waxy feel. The leaves can be slightly fuzzy or completely smooth. At the bottom of each leaf, there's a thin, reddish part called an ochrea. This is a special sheath formed from the leaf's stipules.

Small, Colorful Flowers

The flowers of Koenigia davisiae grow in small groups. You'll usually find 2 to 5 flowers together where the leaves meet the stem. These tiny flowers are only a few millimeters wide. They can be yellowish, greenish, or sometimes have a purple tint.