virginia knotweed is a America native knotweed, meaning its related to japanese knotweed. virginia knotweed is unusual as it is a shade tolerant species while most other knotweeds love the sun. virginia knotweed also can be found in japan and the Himalayas. virginia knotweeds other name, "jumpseed" refers to how it can "jump" several feet due to the pressure in the ripe seedpods when disturbed.