So many things come to mind it is really hard to say. If you could post a picture, that would help a lot. Sorry I can't be of much help without a photo to id.

Cindi

Pokeweed?

Here is a link that might be useful: Pokeweed

Thanks, I'll ask her to send me a pic and I'll send her the pokeweed link and let you know.

Guess what!!! You are absolutely right, Judy b. My sister is shocked. She has a lot of gardening experience and had never even heard of pokeweed.
So, tell me, how did you know? I am assuming by the info in the link you sent that it isn't something that people WANT to have in a foundation border. Do you think it got there by accident and the previous owners didn't know what it was or did they actually PUT it there?
How does she get rid of it now? Any ideas? She thought she pulled it out last year and here it is. Do they re-seed or is there an extensive root system she will have to destroy?
Thank you very much for identifying it. What a huge help!

I'm a native plant nut and interested in plants used in traditional medicine. Pokeweed is a native plant that is at the northern edge of its range in southern Ontario. There aren't many other plants with reddish leaves and purple berries that grow inches in a day. Although poisonous when old, the young leaves have long been used as greens and as a spring tonic (song: Poke Salad Annie). Some people do grow it in their gardens; placement must take its size into account and, of course, don't eat the berries.

Your sister can pull it out before it sets berries and seeds and keep pulling up any new shoots. If it comes back next year, she could try Round Up.

Thanks so much. She has little kids and dogs so I think she will want rid of it. I'll pass along the info.