Polygonum sachalinense

Common Name: 
giant knotweed
Scientific Name: 
Polygonum sachalinense F. Schmidt ex Maxim. syn.    syn.  Fallopia sachalinensis
Family Name: 
Polygonaceae - Smartweed or Buckwheat Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
introduced perennial, reproducing by seed and extensive rhizomes
Stems
upright, tall, smooth, noticeably jointed, hollow between nodes, reddish-purple mottling, ocrea (papery or membranous sheath) at nodes
Stems of Giant Knotweed
Stems of Giant Knotweed
Leaves
alternate, ovate, tip pointed, heart-shaped base with rounded basal lobes
Leaves of Giant Knotweed
Leaves of Giant Knotweed
Flowers
greenish-white, unisexual, petals absent; panicle clusters; axillary
Seed Pods
triangular, 3 "wings"