Scientific name: Fallopia japonica Previously Polygonum cuspidatum
Family: POLYGONACEAE
Common names: “Japanese knotweed
Perennial invasive weed
Root system: Deep rhizomes down to 10′
Conditions:
Soil: Any moderately fertile
Moisture: Happy with good moisture and good drainage
Light: Semi-shade – Full sun
Location: Riverbeds, beside ponds and lakes, roadsides
Zone: 5
Aesthetic:
Leaf and Stem shape: Arching, hollow zigzaging stems to 8′ tall, with large simple alternating leaves
Flower: Showy panicles of female greenish white flowers in late summer
Landscape use: On BC invasive list
Pests & Disease: None
Comments: Do not plant! Sometimes herbicide is the only option for this one and even with strong chemicals it may survive, edible young shoots
Vancouver Island Grows 