Shrub ID help: Pic included

[ktjohns]

I passed by these shrubs that I pass by a lot on my way home but this time they seemed to have bloomed with the cold weather that came into Wisconsin. The plant stood about 6 feet high and was pretty wide and seem to be doing very well in 50-60 degree weather. I have been looking for plants to include into my uromastyx lizard diet and would really appreciate some help on this one thank you.




[img]https://img810.imageshack.us/img810/8471/dscn3140.jpg[/img]

[microcollie]

That's polygonum cuspidatum, (japanese bamboo or japanese knotweed) which is definately not something to include in a garden. It's a highly invasive thing that multiplies quickly by underground rhizomes. It's on no-plant lists in several states.

[ktjohns]

Oh oh! I don't think the couple that planted these knew this. They are just an old couple who probably like the height of them for privacy.

[JONA878]

Big problem over here in the UK too.
Folk planted it as a rather lovely garden plant ..not realising how invasive the retched stuff can be.
Some local councils are having to spend a small fortune trying to control its spread.
They have fouind the best control is to cut the plant low down...and pour neat roundup...( Glyphosate ) down the hollow stem.
It can take a couple of treatments but it does work eventualy.
Digging it out can be difficult as the roots can be very deep and spread far and wide.