Is this a type of bamboo?

Hello,

I found this plant growing beside the highway not far from Little Qualicum Falls this afternoon. The stalks appear to be a type of bamboo but the leaves and flowers seem unusual for bamboo. Can you identify it for me?

Thanks in advance,
Judy Sinclair

 

I've never seen anything that looks less like bamboo (but I suppose there could be varieties I'm not familiar with).

 

[SEARCH]Knotweed[/SEARCH], I'm afraid. You'll see it everywhere (sadly) now that you know what it is.

 

The following is a description of this plant:

Japanese knotweed, a rhizomatous perennial, was introduced from Asia to Europe in the mid-nineteenth century as an ornamental and fodder plant. It is an impressive species, which grows to a height of 2-3 meters, with flecked bamboo-like stems, arching branches and clusters of creamy white flowers appearing late in the season.

 

Thanks a lot Daniel :o))

 

Mistaken for bamboo all the time, despite the broad leaves, flowers unlike those of a grass and herbaceous (non-woody) habit. There is even a Bamboo Lane in western WA apparently named after a patch of the stuff.

 

Same problem with "Lucky Bamboo"!