Fagopyrum esculentum is an annual herb. 20-60 cm tall, stems finely hairy in lines, sheath oblique, truncate; Stipule (ocrea) membranous sleeve-like around stem above leaf stalk (Flora of North America 1993+).
Leaves alternate, broadly triangular-arrow-shaped, lower leaves long-stalked.
Flowers white to pink, 0.2-0.3 cm, 5 petals, 8 stamens, yellow, nectar-bearing glands between stamens, flowers presumably insect pollinated; inflorescence of dense compact clusters at top of plant.
Fruit dry, 1-seeded achene 0.5-0.7 cm long, smooth, shiny, 3-angled; blooms June-Sept.
Wetland status: UPL
Frequency in NYC: Very infrequent.
Origin: Eurasia.
Habitat: Open areas, escaped from cultivation. Not persistent.