The Polygonaceae are herbs, shrubs, or rarely trees comprising about 30 genera and 1,000 species. The leaves are simple, alternate or rarely opposite, and usually stipulate. The membranous, sheathing stipule is called an ocrea. The flowers are actinomorphic, usually small, and are bisexual or occasionally unisexual. The perianth is usually in two undifferentiated whorls comprising 3-6 distinct or basally connate tepals. The androecium consists of 6-9, commonly 8 distinct or basally connate stamens, usually in two whorls. The gynoecium consists of a compound pistil of usually 3 carpels, an equal number of style branches or styles, and a superior ovary with one locule containing a single basal ovule. The fruit is usually a 3-angled or 3-winged achene.
Enough of that tiresome botanical speak already! Human uses of Polygonum relatives are widely varied. Buckwheat is used as a grain. Rhubarb is used for it's tasty stems. Smartweed is hated as a weed. Dock is used in herbal medicine. Beets provide tasty roots, and sugar beets have the most economic importance of all. Others are ornamental but some can be invasive -- a boon to those who love to propagate, but not for those who wish for a well-tempered garden. Many are excellent in the Urban garden, and it is these which I am to highlight here. And a few weeds might sneak in, but hey, one man's weed....
Polygonums Polygonum aubertii is a rampant, twining vine that produces a cloud of white flowers. The plant is valued for it adaptability not its refinement. Silverlace Vine tolerates dry soil, and shade or sun. It grows quickly to 25 feet, sometimes in a single year. Cut them back each year for a more compact show. It is also a good choice for planting along a chain link fence and letting the vine take over entirely.
Polygonum japonicum is called Japanese Knotweed but can also sometimes be called False Bamboo. It is a massive, thicket forming plant that can become a tenacious, virtually indestructible weed. The fleecy, white flowers are produced in late summer. This plant is not suggested for the small landscape. If you see it for sale, pass it by.
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