Redvine
Brunnichia ovata (Walt.) Shinners
Polygonaceae (Smartweed Family)
▲ young shoot
▲ ▼ young shoots showing reddish new growth and tendrils
▲ older leaves and tendrils
▲ mature vine on fence
▲ leaves
▲ inflorescence
Redvine: (not in Weeds of the Great Plains, nor Weeds of the Northeast)
· also called American buckwheat vine; native to the U.S.
· common in cultivated crops of southestern U.S.; common in southeast Missouri
· can be distinguished from wild buckwheat and false buckwheat by presence of tendrils on redvine
· leaves triangular to heart-shaped, with a reddish color when young
· has climbing, twining, clinging growth habit, forming tangled masses in large populations
· prefers moist soils, but will grow in many soil conditions
· flowers are tiny, white, in hanging panicles from leaf axils
· has deep root and plant becomes woody and shrubby with age if not trimmed back