Redvine

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; not in 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