Rhizome fragments disperse with water currents or flooding and with natural or human facilitated soil movement. Plants produce abundant seed, but a large proportion is non-viable when fertile male plants are rare. Seedling survival is usually low, but plants are persistent once established. Seedlings rarely establish under shady conditions. Growth of plants shaded after establishment is greatly reduced.
Plants tolerate high levels of sulfur dioxide.
No information available. Under experimental conditions, plants do not adjust photosynthetic rates to low light levels and appear unable to adapt to shaded conditions. Carefully digging out small clumps when discovered can prevent new colonies from establishing. However, rhizomes and fragments left in the ground or nearby can regenerate and spread infestations. Refer to the table Comparison of Polygonum species for more information.