Also known as Fleece flower, Mexican bamboo or Elephant ear bamboo
Polygonum Cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc.
Quick ID:

• Member of the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae)
• A shrub-like perennial that originated from Asia
• Grows to heights in excess of 10 feet
• Stems are smooth, bamboo-like and stout
• Stems are hollow, but may be water-filled depending upon soil moisture and time of year

Habitat:

• Found in parks, gravel bars, along riverbeds, stream banks, rights-of way, and roadsides. It is also found in riparian areas and will move up river columns.

How It Got Here:

• Originated from Asia and spread west for the last few hundred years (primarily by fragmentation)
• 10mm of plant can re-grow to maturity.

Reasons for Concern:

• Can invade and thrive in a variety of habitats with no natural predators or control mechanisms.
• Knotweed has evolved characteristics that aid the plant in exploiting riparian areas
• Knotweed reproduces through seeds, rhizomes, and sprouting from stem pieces which can move quickly down a riverbed and create new infestations.
• Knotweed can cause reduced land value due to its invasive nature.
• Canes can sprout through 6 inches of concrete or asphalt. (roads & foundations)