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Is Mexican Bamboo Really a Bamboo?

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What does Japanese knotweed look like? Picture.

What does Japanese knotweed look like? This photo shows an example of how the new shoots can look.

David Beaulieu
Question: Is Mexican Bamboo Really a Bamboo?
You may have heard of "Mexican bamboo." But don't be fooled: Mexican bamboo is not really a bamboo, at all....
Answer:

"Mexican bamboo" is move commonly known as "Japanese knotweed" (Polygonum cuspidatum). It is called "Mexican bamboo" because of its hollow stalks, punctuated at intervals by horizontal joints or "nodes," giving it the appearance of bamboo.

But "Mexican bamboo" isn't the only impostor. In the next FAQ we'll look at so-called "heavenly bamboo"....

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