Polygonum paronychia
Polygonaceae
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: Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
- Flower Form: Petals 5, Completely Free, Regular Shape, Ovary Su
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 1–3 feet
- Habitat: Coastal
- Found In: Olympic NP
- Native: Yes
