Japanese Knotweed

Fallopia japonica

Among other places, knotweed grows along the banks of the Kiskiminetas River and along the Roaring Run Trail.

Scientifically, knotweed is known as fallopia japonica or   Polygonum cuspidatum.  It is also kown as fleeceflower, Himalayan fleece vine, monkeyweed, monkey fungus, Huzhang, Hancock's curse, elephant ears, pea shooters, donkey rhubarb, sally rhubarb, Japanese bamboo, American bamboo, and Mexican bamboo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_knotweed).

Knotweed grows about 6 feet.  Most of its foliage is on top.  It gets so thick that nothing grows beneath.  Very little light gets underneath.  Literally knotweed crowds out, blocks out and shuts down all vegetation nearby.  What should grow doesn't. 

Do you see the similarity between knotweed and sin?