VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Polygonum spp. | Smartweed 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Smartweed is an important wildlife food for deer and waterfowl
[19,22,29,32].  In northwest Missouri, smartweed accounts for 85 percent
of mallard diets in certain habitats [18].  Smartweed ranks third of all
plants consumed during fall in other parts of Missouri [13].


PALATABILITY : 
Some species of smartweed provide poor to good forage for cattle, sheep,
and horses in the western states [12].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Some species of smartweed provide poor to good cover for upland game
birds, waterfowl, nongame birds, and small mammals [12].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Many species of smartweed are considered undesirable weeds [20].
Smartweed invades cultivated raspberry patches and agricultural fields.
It can be controlled with chemicals such as Roundup, Casoron, Princep,
and Gramoxone [9].  Smartweed tends to be eliminated when wetlands are
converted into agricultural land [25].  To maintain smartweed for
waterfowl food in irrigated desert playas of the southern high plains,
soil must be moist during early April.  These playas must also be kept
moist from mid to late June and early August.  From November to January,
1 foot of water should be maintained in the playa [19].

Related categories for Species: Polygonum spp. | Smartweed