The first is a persicaria or knotweed, probably P. virginiana. Can be an aggressive spreader. The second is yellow archangel, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, which is so aggressively spreading in my area, it is listed as a noxious weed. Both are quite happy in various degrees of shade, but I'd consider siting them very carefully.

Thank you gardengal for the very helpful information. Then I have 2 potential weeds. I think I'll grow them in pots to avoid future disaster.
Happy gardening!

Forever a newbie, I'm pretty sure that first one is actually a named cultivar of Persicaria called "Lance Corporal." I don't think it is quite as invasive as the weedy Persicarias. Bluestone Perennials charges $5.95 for it. Many grow it for the leaves.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bluestone link

Thanks dawiff. Yes I searched over google and my first plant should be "Lance Corporal." It spreads quickly but will grow into a mound. So I suppose it is not as bad as the second one, which is described as a notorious weed.

newbie, your 2 plants are 2 of my most beloved and valuable perennials.
the lance corporal is a TREMENDOUS plant because it will tolerate any soil or lighting conditions; it has that great variegated leaf and it provides beautiful red poker flowers in the fall. It spreads readily but can also be easily removed or transplanted. It is NOT a weed!!! The lamium has a wonderful butter yellow flower and makes a handsome variegated ground cover in shade or even deep shade. It also is NOT a weed!! Like the Persicaria Lance Corporal, the lamium can be easily removed if you decide you don't like it.But do plant them in your garden and see what you think after a season or two.
best,
mindy

Be careful about noxious plants. Your climate, temperature and moisture does affect the spread of plants. The PNW seems to have more noxious weeds than the NE. Maybe all that snow is good for something. Also, plants can have some varieties which aren't as aggressive as others. Just keep an eye on them, and if they spread or seed too much, you can usually pull them out before they get out of control.

I have a varigated english ivy, which is a slow grower for me, while I have been known to mutter unkind things under my breath while ripping out its cousin the English Ivy - spreading agressiviely from the neighbors.

I agree with annie........location and climate have a great deal to do with how well plants establish and spread or display weedy/invasive tendencies. What may be a very well-behaved garden plant in Mindy's MA may be a rampant thug in the OP's much milder VA location.

Actually, the PNW doesn't necessarily have more "noxious weeds" than other locations.......because this is primarily an agricultural state, we just tend to be very proactive in identifying those that are or could become problematic :-) Many plants that ARE considered invasive on the east coast are NOT here - like burning bush, Japanese barberries, nandina, etc. And we don't get all that much snow.......I'd venture to say no more than NJ, perhaps quite a bit less!

gg- fyi, i think annie was saying that the NE has fewer noxious weeds because of THEIR snow, not the PNW's snow.
best,
mindy

I in zone 5 and I grow yellow archangel, it does spread quickly but very easy to control. I also just discover painter pallet (P. virginiana) in my lily bed a couple of weeks ago. Where can I find more information about it?