I have been having horrible allergies – something I’ve never suffered before – and I’m wondering if it has anything to do with some yardwork I did about a week ago.
I found this hearty plant growing in the narrow spot behind our house near the air conditioner. It was a couple of feet tall with very thick red stem/trunk. The stems reminded me of bamboo – very fibrous but hollow. The stuff had completely filled the space around the AC unit – maybe 4’ x 4’. Have never seen anything like it before, but would love to figure out what it is. I live in Western New York.
A few pictures at this link.
Any ideas?
Can’t see the images (limitation at this end) but your description sounds like Japanese knotweed. If that’s the case, then please also accept my commiserations, as it’s one of the worst weeds on the pla.net
Thanks, Mangetout. I looked at some pictures of japanese knotwood and I don;t think that’s it. My plant was much less viny, and the leaves were thicker. My plant has stems that are the color of rhubarb, but thicker and hollow.
We have the same stuff in our yard. I’ve been meaning to look it up myself. I’ll keep you posted after a bit of searching.
Poke Salat in the South.
One of the foods eaten by slaves pre-Civil War and discovered by poor Southerners during Reconstruction.
My Grandmother would cook it with the proper caution.
Thanks, Jenaroph and carnivorousplant. I think that’s it. Not sure if that’s the cause of my allergy issues, but it’s nasty stuff.
Looks like pokeberry to me, too-- when you pull it get as much of the tuber-like root out as you can. Don’t let it go to seed, ugh.
Yep, pokeweed.
Some people are known to be allergic to this plant.
I have heard dire reports of enormous tuberous root systems making mature specimens difficult to remove, but I only see occasional medium-sized plants in my yard that are easy to pull out.
It’s a weed, but one with nice ornamental features if you’re not allergic to it or if it doesn’t seed all over the place (supposedly dormant seeds remain viable for many years and can sprout if the soil is disturbed and they’re exposed to light).