Smartweed is an aquatic perennial herb found in our region’s lakes. It roots in shallow areas and spreads by rhizomes. Branches rise up toward the surface and can be anywhere between 30- 80 cm long. Leaves are lance-like and usually are floating. Pink flowers form on the ends of the branches, floating above the water.

We encounter smartweed in most of our local lakes in shallow bays. In late June, the buds emerge, green on top of stems. By July, the first pink flowers can be seen. By August, the plants are often buggy and fading. It is part of the polygonum family, one of dozens of species. A common name is swamp smartweed or knotweed. It is widely found in North America, but only fishermen or paddlers might take note of its emergence in our lakes each summer.