American Jointweed Plant Care

American Jointweed (Polygonella americana) belongs to the Polygonaceae family within the Polygonella genus. American Jointweed is native to Southeastern United States extending in scattered locations west to New Mexico.

American Jointweed displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. American Jointweed produces small clusters of pink or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted American Jointweed every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

American Jointweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Polygonella americana tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. American Jointweed prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for American Jointweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed American Jointweed every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

American Jointweed is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

American Jointweed can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune American Jointweed while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

American Jointweed is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

American Jointweed can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to branching jointweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

American Jointweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

American Jointweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. American Jointweed is native to Southeastern United States extending in scattered locations west to New Mexico. In cooler regions, grow American Jointweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.