I ran into a large patch (approximately 20 x 100 ft area) of this flowering shrub that I'm trying to identify. It's mixed up with some blackberry, but it does appear to be providing some habitat for honey bees. I'm trying to determine whether I want to remove it, but I'm not sure what it is. It's about 8 ft high.
That is almost certainly Japanese knotweed. There has been quite a bit of discussion lately about this terribly invasive plant on this Forum. There are several species and I can't say exactly which yours is. Look up Polygonum or Fallopia if you need a precise identification but the bottom line is that you do want to remove it and will have a hard job doing so.
Oh no...the dreaded Japanese knot weed. http://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/e...magesK_L/knotweed_flowers_blueback.ashx?la=en This link may help. It is a terrible weed. The smallest bit will regrow. Invasive knotweed identification and information
Actually not Japanese Knotweed, but its perhaps worse close relative Giant Knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis. Note the very long, and slightly crinkly leaves (smooth, and shorter, relatively broader leaves in Japanese). Info link: Fallopia sachalinensis
