Scientific Family
Polygonaceae
Other common names
cornbind
wildbuckwheat
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
Trailing 8 to 40 inches
Riparian
No
These plants grow along the ground until they find something to climb. They have a sprawling growth habit and fibrous root system. A defining characteristic of the plant is a papery sheath that surrounds the node where the leaf attaches to the stem.
Stem not woody; flower cluster spike-like; stems trailing, twining or climbing; stigmas head-like or shield-shaped.
Habitat
Prefers open, sunny, disturbed sites.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
2500
High elevation
8000
Flower Characteristics
Tiny greenish flowers have no petals and are in clusters which begin at the leaf axils.
Flower color
Greenish-white
Flower shape
Inconspicuous
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are heart-shaped with a tapered point. Stems are multiple from the base.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Triangular
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruits are 3-sided and contain only 1 seed.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Dull black
Seeds are triangular and slightly roughened.