Anyone Know This Bush?

prism

prism

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This bush was by our back door when we bought the house. I really didn't care for it and considered digging it up many times to replace it with something else. I has spread a good 20 feet along the house since. However, this week it is buzzing with activity which I never noticed before. I must have counted 8 different types of flying insects feasting on the flowers, including bees. I guess that would be one big reason to keep it so now I would really like to know what it is. Anyone?

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Greensage45

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Yeah I agree with it being Knotweed, although isn't it gorgeous.

I think I would love this plant!!! The desert is not friendly to invasive plants and so they behave and work wonderfully; sadly, though, I am sure most folks would scream and rip it out.

I do think it is gorgeous. Is it fragrant?

Ron
 
ams3651

ams3651

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it would make an excellent screen its just that it is impossible to control. There is a large patch of it down the road from here and all they can do it cut it down a couple times a year because it blocks the view around a tight corner on the road.
 
prism

prism

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It is not fragrant at all. I do think it must be knotweed from the description on the provided PA site. I didn't take a close look at the stems which are hidden well by the foliage right now but do remember catching a side view glimpse and thinking they looked like bamboo. I was surprised they weren't more woody since the oldest bush would have to be over 20 years old. Most of it is about 4-5 feet tall. I have never seen seeds but then again, by the time it goes to seed, I'm probably too busy with other things before the frost to be paying attention to it. I will have to keep an eye open this year. If it isn't the Japanese or Giant Knotweed, it must be in the same family. Why anyone would plant it right next to the door is beyond me.

Thanks, Everyone, for the help!
 
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patandchickens

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Oy, for sure that is japanese knotweed. Whoa baby. Get rid of it NOW (it will take you quite a while and have to be repeated several times over the next couple years, but if the 'bush' is still modest sized you may be able to do it).

it is a PESTILENCE. It may have been planted by the house as a (misguided) ornamental, since it *is* kinda pretty, or a few people intentionally plant it to shade house walls from the hot August sun. But, both of those are terrible ideas in the long run.

Seriously, go after it NOW, bring a big shovel and pick, and keep at it til it's gone.

Good luck, "have fun",

Pat
 
prism

prism

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patandchickens said:
Oy, for sure that is japanese knotweed. Whoa baby. Get rid of it NOW (it will take you quite a while and have to be repeated several times over the next couple years, but if the 'bush' is still modest sized you may be able to do it).

it is a PESTILENCE. It may have been planted by the house as a (misguided) ornamental, since it *is* kinda pretty, or a few people intentionally plant it to shade house walls from the hot August sun. But, both of those are terrible ideas in the long run.

Seriously, go after it NOW, bring a big shovel and pick, and keep at it til it's gone.

Good luck, "have fun",

Pat
Click to expand...
Yuck. Ya know... it didn't seem to really do anything for many years and either I've been sleeping or this thing multiplied 10X overnight. I even noticed a stalk growing in the window well yesterday. The conditions must be perfect this year for it to thrive. What I find even more offensive is the stupid Russian Olives that are popping up all over and getting huge.

Thanks for the info. I think I will have to work at getting rid of it but not until after all the bees go to sleep. :bee Not worth getting stung.
 
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