Polygonaceae (Smartweed family)

Broadleaf plant family

Many different species of plants in Missouri are known as smartweeds, some of which are among the state's most common weeds. Of about 30 genera of these plants worldwide, at least six are present in Missouri.

Buckwheat, wild
Polygonum convolvulus
 

Dock, broadleaf
Rumex obtusifolius
 

Dock, curly
Rumex crispus
 

Knotweed, prostrate
Polygonum aviculare
 

Ladysthumb
Polygonum persicaria
 

Smartweed, hedge
Polygonum scandens
 

Smartweed, Pennsylvania
Polygonum pensylvanicum
 

Sorrel, red
Rumex acetosella
 

For an idea of relative seed size, each photo contains a millimeter ruler. The distance between increments is 1 mm.