Yikes, it seems that my plant in a well-known thug. Just looked up more about Fallopia japonica (aka polygonum cuspidata, reynoutria, etc.) and I'm wondering if I'm doing myself a disfavor by leaving it in? Does anyone have any negative input with this Fallopia japonica? I'm in zone 5a north of Chicago so maybe she's ok here but then maybe not. I don't want any surprises like the sumac is giving me. I can't recall ever purchasing this plant so it must have been a bonus from a mail order company. Who would do that? Would like to have a word with them.

Thanks, Joanie

 

> Attached is a picture of the mystery bamboo. The typical 'circles'
> around the stem at various points (what are these properly called?)
> turn very dark as summer progresses and the flowers (can't remember
> when they appear) remind me of light pink macleaya blossoms. Any
> help would be most appreciated!

Hi Joanie!  It's been a while!  :)

I'm probably going to come across as crazy, but this plant reminds me
a lot of a Fallopia instead of a bamboo -- something like
Fallopia japonica (var.compacta).  These were also known
as Polygonum cuspidata once upon a time, but changed names
in the past fifteen years.

Is it possibly a Fallopia?  Google images turns up a few:

   http://bit.ly/ihFRUV

Chris