Invasive Species: Pesky Plants by Justin Williams

All Tied Up in Knotweed

You may have noticed dense thickets growing along local streambanks and ditches. Those fast-growing clusters are likely Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), an invasive species that outcompetes native plants with rapid growth.

Japanese knotweed has bamboo-like stems, simple, alternate, heart-shaped leaves, and grows quickly. It flourishes along riverbanks, streams and ditches. While the white flower clusters are attractive, the plant’s aggressive nature can cause considerable harm to our ecosystem and infrastructure.