The taxonomy and distribution in eastern Canada of Polygonum arenastrum (4x = 40) and P. monspeliense (6x = 60), introduced members of the P. aviculare complex

Abstract

The introduced nonmaritime knotweeds have generally been regarded in North America as comprising a single species called P. aviculare L. In recent years cytological and morphological studies have suggested that at least two chromosome races are present and that certain morphological features are correlated with chromosome number. There have been, however, discrepancies in the reports of the distribution and relative abundance of the two races. Studies of the morphology and cytology of introduced knotweeds in eastern Canada confirm the existence of two groups that are recognizable at species rank, and establish that the most common knotweeds in open habitats, e. g., along roadsides and sidewalks, are tetraploid plants distinguishable from their hexaploid relatives by the relatively uniform size of their leaves, the short and narrow free portion of the perianth segments, and by one side of the fruit being very much narrower than the other two. These plants are referable to P. arenastrum Boreau. This species is compared with the heterophyllous hexaploid, usually called P. aviculare sensu stricto, or, if that is considered a nomen ambiguum, P. monspeliense Pers. A table of distinguishing features, illustrations of the two species, and maps of their distribution in eastern Canada are provided.