Polygonum (Smartweed) Identification: Nodding vs. Lady's Thumb

Your white-flowered polygonum is likely nodding smartweed (Polygonum lapathifolium), not pink-flowered lady’s thumb (P. persicaria). Both are aggressive weeds spreading by seed and stem fragments.

Control

• Pull before seed set.
• Mow regularly.
• Herbicides (glyphosate, broadleaf) effective.
• Mexican bamboo (P. cuspidatum) is a related invasive perennial.

It’s overwhelming your juniper—act now.

Nodding smartweed with white flowers.

Flower spike detail.

Dense patch smothering juniper.