User:LyricSykes/Polygonum engelmannii

Polygonum engelmannii
Polygonum englemannii is a plant that belongs to the Polygonceae family. It is a herbaceous plant native to North America and grows annually. Polygonum englemannii is synonymous with Polygonum douglasii. The plants common name is Engelmann's Knotweed.

Description
Engelmann's Knotweed is a herbaceous plant, consisting of a vascular system and lacking a woody stem above ground. It is an annual plant, meaning it grows from seed to plant and then dies within one year. The stems of this plant are upright and can grow to be anywhere from 1 inch to 1 foot tall. The plant is characterized by their very small leaves that are flat and shaped like an elongated oval. Engelmann's Knotweed has flowers that bloom in the summers (June, July, August and September), these flowers bloom either green our purple and have white margins. The petals are shaped similarly to an oblong, rectangular yet meets at the top forming a tip. The plant does have fruit, an achene, which is a dry, one-sided seed. The achene is ovular in shape, and appears black, smooth, and shiny.

Taxonomy
Polygonum englemannii is apart of the Polygonaceae family, also known as the Buckwheat Family. This plant is in the Polygonum genus and the specific species is englemannii . This information can be distinguished from the species scientific name.This plant has multiple other names that are synonymous with its scientific name; Polygonum douglasii, Polygonum douglasii var. microspermum, Polygonum microspermum, Polygonum tenue var. microspermum.

Distribution and Habitat
Engelmann's Knotweed grows in well drained, moist, and sandy soils. Additionally, Engelmann's Knotweed grows in stony soils of mountain slopes and sagebrush desserts. The plant can exist at relatively high altitudes between 1,000 to 1,500 meters ''. Polygonum englemannii'' is native to North America and is found in both Canada and the United States. Specific regions the species is found in include Alberta, British Colombia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

Cultural Significance
Polygonum englemannii contains oxalic acid which can irritate rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones, or hyperacidity. People with these aliments should avoid this species. There are no medically known uses, however if dried and ground up it can be mixed in with cornmeal or various cereals for bread making. Additionally the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, but it is only considered mildly edible.