Seasonal Wild Flowers

Ray's Knotgrass

Polygonum oxyspermum

Polygonaceae

June to September

It is found all round the coast but is less common on the

eastern side of the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Ray's Knotgrass

It grows above the strand-line of sandy, shingle and shell

beaches.

Ray's Knotgrass is a native, annual or biennial, hairless,

prostrate, sprawling herb, growing up to 80cm.

Flowers are in groups of 2 to 6 and bigger than in

Tepals (5) are greenish-white and pink edged.

Fruits (nuts) are chestnut brown and protruding (as in

Leaves are up to 2.5cm, with short sheaths (unlike in

Stems have a woody base.

Ray's Knotgrass on sandy beach,

Heysham, Lancs.

Grouping of flowers on stem,

short sheaths

Flowers, nuts and leaves

Close-up of tepals and protruding nuts

Side view of flowers, calyx and fruits