Stalk shooting up from ground with oak-like leaves

I have recent moves into a new home and there are many beautiful plants growing. This one in particular is like nothing I have seen before. It appears to be "shooting" up from the ground with a stalk and oakish looking leaves. I have no clue what it is.

 

Hi Tish, welcome to Gardenstew from Chemsford, MA. Interesting plant but without a general location we would be throwing out guesses.

 

Hello from Idaho,USA.where it is cold and very windy.

 

Well I will have a guess...what about castor oil plant? A noxious weed where I live.

 

Oh I really, really hope for you that it's not Japanese knotweed.
http://www.eddmaps.org/ipane/ipanespecies/herbs/Polygonum_cuspidatum.htm

 

I apologize for taking so long to return. I live in Tennessee and I think my hardy zone is 6. I am excited to learn more about plants and gardening. I have a lot of things growing that I have no idea what they are. Since I moved into my house in the Winter, everything is a surprise!

 

And thank you all for your replies and help. I appreciate it so much

Also, I do not think the leaves are the same as the Japanese Knotweed, at least thats what I am hoping

 

I'd prefer to be wrong! As you have a chance, take pics of the other mystery plants & folks will help you try to figure out what they are. I've never had the pleasure of moving to a yard with much of anything but grass & trees. A mystery garden sounds like a blast!