In The Garden: What is this flowering shrub

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by findlidia, Jul 24, 2014.

  1. findlidia

    findlidia New Member

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    We just moved into our new home 1.5 years ago.

    These shrubs are cut to the ground in the fall - and grow to these massive sizes in no time.

    People keep asking me... What are they?

    They are also the boudoir for some flying bugs in June - where they are covered by these mating annoyances....but gone the rest of the summer.

    Can you help? Shrub.JPG

    Shrub.flower.JPG

    Shrub.leaf.JPG
     
  2. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Fallopia / Polygonum, but not one of the vexing Japanese knotweed-types.
     
  3. findlidia

    findlidia New Member

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    Thank you!

    Do you know if this shrub can be split (like a hosta?)
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Note that this is not a shrub, shrubs are woody plants with persistent above ground stems. Note also that there is at least one knot-weed species of this type that is a noxious weed in North America.

    http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/detail.asp?weed=104
     
  5. findlidia

    findlidia New Member

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    Am I to understand this is a weed that we are trying to eradicate?
     
  6. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Maybe not in your region. First of all, we don't have an accurate ID. We could try to do better here if photos were retaken on a cloudy day showing a bit more with the leaves (profile of a branch and an accurate photo of the colour of a leaf). Or, you could make arrangements to take a sample to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.

    Once the ID is firmed up, then a better discussion can occur about weediness / invasiveness. There are _some_ in this group of plants that are weeds in _some_ regions, but action has to start from an accurate ID.
     
  7. findlidia

    findlidia New Member

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    Thank you Daniel.

    I'd be happy to send a sample - as I'm considering to use this as a huge privacy border/wall (700'+).

    Would you be able to direct me to their address/person who would be interested in helping with this?
     
  8. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    This is their plant ID service page. Since there's a fee involved (unless you're a member), you might want to try here first by posting some additional photographs.
     
  9. findlidia

    findlidia New Member

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    Thank you Daniel - I will
     
  10. Chip

    Chip Member

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    Perisicaria polymorpha maybe? It's used a bit horticulturally.
     

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