Cotyledons are lanceolate with rounded tips and smooth on both surfaces. True leaves are alternate, smooth and lanceolate with smooth edges. Nodes are surrounded by an ochrea. Very similar to ladysthumb, but Pennsylvania smartweed does not have hairlike projections extending from the ochrea up the stem. To top Grass Key Top of page 15.
Cotyledons are linear and hairless.
Stems are reddish and hairless. Nodes are surrounded by an ochrea. First true leaf is arrow-shaped. To top Grass Key Top of page 16. Small seedling with linear cotyledons.