Origin and Common Names
Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman, commonly known as Kellogg's knotweed or Kellogg's smartweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to western North America and can be found growing in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona at elevations ranging from sea level to 9,500 feet.
Appearance
Kellogg's knotweed is a perennial herb that can grow up to 6 feet tall. Its stem is usually reddish-brown and its leaves are lanceolate, with pointed tips and smooth edges. The plant produces clusters of small, pink or white flowers on long spikes from June to October.
Uses
Kellogg's knotweed has been traditionally used by indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes, including treatment for pain, wounds, and fevers. It has also been used as a food source – the young shoots and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and the plant's seeds can be ground into a flour and used in baking.
Kellogg's knotweed has potential as a garden plant as well. Its striking foliage and attractive flowers make it an interesting addition to any landscape design.
Growth Conditions for Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman
Light: The species of Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman requires ample sunlight to grow. It is best to plant them in areas where they get full sunlight exposure. Partially shaded areas may hamper their growth and affect their overall health.
Temperature: The plant grows well in moderate to warm temperatures. They can tolerate cold temperatures, but extreme cold can cause damage. The temperature range that is most comfortable for this species is between 60°F to 75°F.
Soil: The species of Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman prefer well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to plant them in loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH range between 5.5 to 7.5 is best for their growth.
Water: Regular watering is necessary for the plant's proper growth. However, overwatering can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Thus, it is recommended to water them deeply once a week rather than frequent shallow watering. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering sessions.
Fertilizer: The species of Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman do not require frequent fertilization as their nutrient requirements are low. However, you can fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Other requirements: The plant species needs moderate humidity levels, and air circulation is essential for their growth and health. Pruning is recommended in the early spring to remove the dead and damaged parts and to shape the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii, commonly known as Kellogg's Knotweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to slightly alkaline.
The plant is best propagated by seed or stem cuttings taken in early spring or late fall. Sow the seeds in a nursery bed or directly in the garden soil. The seedlings will emerge in two to three weeks. Once they reach 4-6 inches in height, transplant them to their permanent location.
If you plan to cultivate Kellogg's Knotweed in a container, make sure it has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. Choose a container with a diameter of at least 12 inches to give the roots enough space to grow. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.
Watering Needs
Kellogg's Knotweed prefers evenly moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. Water the plant deeply once a week during dry spells. Make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can attract fungal diseases.
In containers, check the moisture level of the soil frequently. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Kellogg's Knotweed does not require much fertilizer to thrive. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring or in the fall. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
If the plant looks stunted or yellowish, apply a liquid fertilizer containing nitrogen during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Kellogg's Knotweed, but you can remove the spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut back the entire plant to the ground in late fall or early spring to promote vigorous growth the following year.
If the plant becomes too large or overcrowded, divide it every 3-4 years in early spring or late fall. Dig up the entire plant, separate the roots into smaller sections, and replant them in their permanent location.
Propagation of Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman
Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Some popular propagation methods are:
Seeds
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman. Seeds should be collected from the plant during the fall season, when the seed heads have started to dry out. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring, when they can be sown directly in the garden bed, or in seed starting trays indoors. Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman seeds require exposure to light to germinate, so they should only be lightly covered in soil or not covered at all. Germination occurs in 14-21 days.
Cuttings
Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is usually in mid to late summer, when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be taken from the healthier lateral stems of the plant. The leaves should be trimmed to half their size and then dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a suitable rooting medium, such as sand, perlite, or vermiculite. The cutting should be kept moist and warm, ideally at a temperature of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Rooting should occur within 2-3 weeks.
Disease Management for Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman
Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman is generally a healthy plant species, but it can succumb to a few diseases. Here are some common diseases of Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman and their management:
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by pathogenic fungi that live in the soil. Symptoms of root rot in Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman include yellowing leaves, reduced growth, and poor vigor. Management techniques for root rot include removing affected plants, improving soil drainage, and avoiding overwatering.
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens and appear as brown spots on leaves. They can reduce plant vigor over time. Management techniques for leaf spots in Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman include removing affected leaves, keeping leaves dry by not watering them from above, and applying fungicides or bactericides as necessary.
Pest Management for Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman
Like any plant species, Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman can also be subject to different kinds of pests. Here are some common pests of Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman and their management:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny mites that suck plant sap and can cause yellowing, stippling, and drying of leaves. Management techniques for spider mites include improving air circulation around the plant, spraying with water to knock off mites, and applying insecticides as necessary.
Aphids
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that can cause distorted growth, yellowing of leaves, and a decrease in plant vigor. Management techniques for aphids in Polygonum polygaloides Wallich ex Meisn. ssp. kelloggii (Greene) Hickman include spraying the plants with a solution of water and dish soap or applying insecticides. Ladybugs are also natural predators of aphids and can play a role in controlling aphids.
