It's a dainty thing, basking iteself in patches of forest sunlight--tall and lean bamboo-like stalks stretch up into slender wands of papery white flowers; the leaves are shaped palms, flat and open to absorb the warm energy of Vermont sunshine. And there are the roots as well, deep carving roots that bury themselves in dense and disturbed soils--asphalt is a viable medium for these devilishly hearty roots.

The back entrance to the Winooski Nature Trail bears a none too welcoming patch of the sneaky japanese knotweed. It's a dense stand co-mingled with large chunks of rock and discarded road pavement. And it is my impression upon viewing the plant that it seems to emit a sense of wild accomplishment, like a hugry tiger released from a zoo cage. The knotweed is a flourishing runaway with an extensive network of rhizome cohorts, continually making secret plans for future rebel populations.