japanese knotweed

Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)
Branching: Alternate / Non-woody
Other names: Korean Bamboo

This is a shrubby plant introduced from Asia and commonly planted in gardens. It escapes fairly often and can sometimes become an invasive problem. Although it isn't actually a woody plant, it does resemble one and is very conspicuous in the winter

The persistent fruit stalks are evident in the winter.

The scar girdling the twig at the leaf scar is characteristic of the family.

Japanese Knotweed as it appears in the winter

Older stalks and newer stalks, demonstrating the bamboo-like appearance.