Bunge’s Smartweed: A Non-Native Perennial with Limited Garden Appeal
If you’ve stumbled across the name Bunge’s smartweed (Polygonum bungeanum) in your plant research, you’re looking at a somewhat obscure non-native perennial that’s made its way into a few Midwestern states. While it’s not causing ecological havoc, this little-known member of the smartweed family raises the question: is it worth adding to your garden?
What Exactly Is Bunge’s Smartweed?
Polygonum bungeanum, commonly known as Bunge’s smartweed, is a perennial forb—basically a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. You might also find it listed under its synonym Persicaria bungeana in some plant databases, which can make identification a bit confusing for gardeners.
This plant falls into that category of weedy looking species that many gardeners either love for their wild, naturalistic appearance or avoid entirely. As a forb, it lacks the woody stems of shrubs and trees, instead producing herbaceous growth that dies back to ground level each winter.
Where Does It Call Home?
Originally hailing from regions outside North America, Bunge’s smartweed has established itself in three Midwestern states: Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. It’s managed to reproduce spontaneously in the wild without human assistance, which shows it’s quite adaptable to local conditions.
The limited geographic distribution suggests this plant hasn’t become a widespread garden favorite or naturalized extensively across the continent.
Should You Plant Bunge’s Smartweed?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While Polygonum bungeanum isn’t listed as invasive or noxious, its non-native status and limited available information make it a questionable choice for most gardens. Here are some factors to consider:
- Limited ornamental value compared to showier native alternatives
- Scarce information about growing requirements and garden performance
- Non-native status means fewer benefits for local wildlife
- Restricted natural distribution suggests it may not thrive in many climates
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing information for Polygonum bungeanum is quite limited. What we do know is that it’s established itself in the upper Midwest, suggesting it can handle cooler climates and possibly variable moisture conditions—typical smartweed traits.
If you’re determined to grow this species, you’ll likely need to:
- Provide conditions similar to other smartweeds (moderate moisture, full to partial sun)
- Expect it to behave like other perennial forbs in your area
- Be prepared for limited availability from nurseries
Better Native Alternatives
Given the limited information and non-native status of Bunge’s smartweed, consider these native alternatives that offer similar growth habits with better ecological benefits:
- Pennsylvania smartweed (Persicaria pensylvanica) – A native annual with similar appearance
- Water smartweed (Persicaria amphibia) – Great for wetland gardens
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – A native perennial forb beloved by pollinators
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) – Another native perennial forb for shaded areas
The Bottom Line
While Polygonum bungeanum isn’t going to take over your garden or harm local ecosystems, it’s not exactly a standout performer either. With so many beautiful native alternatives available that provide better wildlife support and more reliable growing information, most gardeners would be better served exploring those options instead.
If you’re specifically interested in smartweeds for their unique texture and naturalistic appeal, stick with native species that will integrate better with your local ecosystem while providing the same aesthetic benefits.
