Smartweed, Marsh (Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania smartweed grows widely across the United States and Canada. It prefers disturbed moist soil conditions such as wetlands, mud flats and pond edges. It is highly utilized by waterfowl, game birds and other seed eating wildlife due to its prolific seed production. Seed can be broadcast on bare, moist soil at a rate of 10-15 pls/acre. It is an annual so yearly plantings are best to provide uniform coverage if desired. Pennsylvania smartweed can grow while inundated as long as some leaves are left above the surface of the water during the growing season. If left unflooded, it can provide excellent pheasant and quail habitat due to its thick growth habit. The plant is easily identified by a black blotch in the middle of the dark green leaf. The pink flowers are visible from July-October on the plant that typically grows from 1-4 feet in height.