The invasive root system and strong growth can damage foundations, buildings, flood defences, roads, paving, retaining walls and architectural sites. It can be found in 39 of the 50 United States and in six provinces in Canada; and yes it is also here in Nova Scotia.
Japanese knotweed has hollow stems with distinct raised nodes that give it the appearance of bamboo, though it is not closely related. The leaves are broad oval with a truncated base, 7–14 cm long and 5–12 cm broad, with an entire margin. The flowers are small, cream or white, produced in racemes 6–15 cm long in late summer and early autumn.
Japanese knotweed has a large underground network of roots (rhizomes). To eradicate the plant the roots need to be killed. All above-ground portions of the plant need to be controlled repeatedly for several years in order to weaken and kill the entire patch. Picking the right herbicide is essential, as it must travel through the plant and into the root system below. Glyphosate is the best active ingredient in herbicide for use on Japanese knotweed as it is ’systemic’; it penetrates through the whole plant and travels to the roots.
This plant is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world's 100 worst invasive species.
Notice the detail of the
stock which is similar
to bamboo.
stock which is similar
to bamboo.
Pity that is it so invasive
as it is quite a lovely
plant.
HAPPY GARDENING
LIVE LIVERPOOL ...escape from the usual
LIVE LIVERPOOL ...escape from the usual
