That’s nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi), all right, and although it’s in the same family as bamboo (the grasses, or Poaceae family), it is not a bamboo. Both nimblewill and bamboo are grasses and therefore share some common features, but neither one can be said to be a subset of the other. One of the most recognizable features of grasses is the knot-like “joints” along the stem, a feature which both nimblewill and bamboo have. These plants are not in the same genus, however, so they can have a number of different characteristics depending on which species is being considered. They will both grow in New York State, and some bamboo varieties will be cold-hardy as far north as USDA Zone 5 or even 4. Bamboo is notoriously adaptable; it is a tropical plant that is evergreen where it is native but which can act as a herbaceous perennial in a cold climate.

Nimblewill likes a lot of environments, but it really thrives in moist partial shade. Smartweed (Polygonum) with pink flowers likes this kind of environment, as well, so you can frequently find the two plants growing near each other, as they are in your picture. If your area is too moist, you may want to add some drainage by conditioning the soil with compost before you put in your garden. You should also remove any overhanging branches that might shade the area and give the weed one of its preferred environments. Once the area is replanted, you’ll need to keep on top of any sightings of this weed by pulling them out immediately when the soil is wet, before they have a chance to establish themselves. Mulching in summer and late fall is helpful to cut down on weeds as well. Good garden maintenance will be necessary to keep nimblewill at bay.

Nimblewill is not easy to get rid of, as it has a fine, fibrous root system. When you pull the plants out, if even one piece of a root is broken off and left in the soil, it can produce a new plant. You may need to remove it more than once, so be sure it’s gone before you put in your new garden.

Hope this is helpful.