Since we bought our house 3 years ago I have been trying to find out what plant this is. When we first moved in we couldn't use the deck stairs it was so large. We chopped it down hoping it would go away. It just keeps coming back. Can someone tell me what this is and how to get rid of it...
Polygonum cuspidatum, or Japanese knotweed is invasive and difficult to eradicate. Deep culling by extrapolating the tubers/roots is a start...and for an herbicide free method, try pouring boiling water on them too.
Constant pulling of the young shoots will eventually deal with it. The young shoots are edible, if that's an incentive - cook them like spinach, similar flavour.
