Case Details
Plant to identify
Submitted by Unknown on 9/17/2009
Homeowner found this plant in her garden. Hummingbirds love it. Wants to know if it is an invasive, or can she share seeds of it with her neighbors
Reply by Mark Renz on 9/17/2009
Its in the polygonum family and looks to be Polygonum orientale L.
Common names: kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate, prince's-feather
This is an introduced annual forb that can easily reseed and establish. It has been reported as invasive, but it is not clear how invasive it is, particularly in natural areas. I am checking on the level of invasiveness and will respond with more info.
Mark
Reply by Mark Renz on 9/22/2009
After conferring with others from Michigan it appears that this plant does not act invasive in most situations, but still warrants some caution as little is known about this plant. My suggestion is to keep an eye on this plant, to see if you see it spreading.
REASONS TO BE CAUTIOUS (From ANN ARBOR BOTANIST) 1.There are several species of Polygonum that are either invasive or very weedy
2 It is tall and grows rapidly, giving it the physiological characteristics to dominate and crowd out other plants in the right conditions.
3. It is an annual that sets a lot of seed, allowing it to spread.
4.It is hardy in all zones
Mark
