Polygonaceae

Polygonum paronychia

Beach Knotweed

Prostrate to upright, low, shrub-like perennial with woody base. Sessile leaves dense at stem tips with noticeable joint to frayed stem covering. Leaves narrow, oblong, with edges rolled under, 1/2–1 1/2 in. long. Underside of leaf midvein is finely toothed. White to pink flowers crowded in upper leaf axils consist of 5 lance-shaped petal-like lobes, 8 stamens. Grows on dunes and in other sandy places along coast.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: All Spring And Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 1--3 feet
• Habitat: Coastal
• Found In: Olympic Np
• Native: Yes