Description of Swamp Smartweed Swamp smartweed has erect stems 1 to 3 feet tall with enlarged nodes. Stems are usually unbranched. Leaves are 2.5 to 8 inches long, pointed at the tip with a rounded base, and have prominent veins. A papery sheath, called the ochrea, surrounds the stem at the base of each leaf. Flowers are rose and are found in a compact erect spike 1 to 3 inches long.
Seeds are oval, flattened on one side, black, shiny, and slightly rough.
The plant reproduces by seed and by tough, woody, horizontal rootstocks. Control of perennial weeds may require a combination of all these methods. Consider the energy and environmental implications when choosing a method of control. Mechanical Control Mechanical control may increase or decrease perennial weed infestations. Tillage may increase infestations by moving perennial weeds to new areas of the field or breaking dormancy of underground buds resulting in new shoot growth.