False Buckwheat was a new plant for me and the grasslands! It could easily be overlooked and Jeanne spotted it. The vine was small but fairly long. Plus the American Beauty was getting it bright berries. So much fun!
The flower was very tiny on a vine that was twining around other plants. It took me awhile (at home) to figure out what it was…False Buckwheat or Thicket Knotweed (Polygonum scandens var. cristatum). I had an idea that it was Fallopia scandens, but it was no where in the flora. After much searching, I discovered F. scandens was a synonym. Then it all fell into place.
The flowers and seeds were in a raceme kind of arrangement.
The leaves were alternate and heart shaped (cordate). The upper part of the stems were slightly squared.
The leaves had short hairs on the edges.
And on the back midrib too but not as thick.
The seed was in a tri-winged covering.
Finally, the black shiny seed sealed the deal for it being False Buckwheat. The non-native Black Bindweed (Polygonum convolvulus) is very similar. It however has a dull seed and no wings on the covering. So a new species for the grasslands!
American Beautyberry has had a good year. However, like all the other plants now, they could use a good rain.
Close up of the Beautyberry berries and a Daddy Long-legs!
So cool!
That was a very cool find. Tbe one Jeff collected at my place is similar – Polygonum tenue, pleat leaf knotweed
I did not see that on your 2014. Do you have a updated list?
Congratulations!! New plant exciting!!!