Knotroot Foxtail / Prostrate Knotweed-like relative
Polygonum aviculare (Note: The pictured plant is actually a broadleaf weed, Common Knotweed, but required formatting applies) · Warm-season, Annual, C4 Broadleaf Weed
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10
Grass Family
Polygonaceae
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
About This Grass
Low-growing broadleaf weed with wiry stems and small bluish-green oval leaves, spreading flat against the ground
Blade Characteristics
Small oval leaves rather than grass blades, grayish-green, entire margins, distinct silvery membranous stipules (ocrea)
Root System
Deep, tough taproot, highly resilient in compacted soils
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Asia, naturalized worldwide
Growth Habit
Prostrate, mat-forming
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun, highly drought tolerant, thrives in compacted, dry soils
Mowing & Maintenance
Low growing enough to survive regular mowing; difficult to eradicate without pre-emergent herbicides or core aeration
Special Characteristics
Exceptional tolerance to heavy foot traffic, soil compaction, and drought
Ecological Information
Introduced weed species, indicates compacted and poor-quality soil conditions