Japanese, Giant and Bohemian Knotweed

Also known as Fleece flower, Mexican bamboo or Elephant ear bamboo

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Polygonum Cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc.
Quick ID:

Member of the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae)
A shrub-like perennial that originated from Asia
Grows to heights in excess of 10 feet
Stems are smooth, bamboo-like and stout
Stems are hollow, but may be water-filled depending upon soil moisture and time of year

Habitat:

Found in parks, gravel bars, along riverbeds, stream banks, rights-of way, and roadsides. It is also found in riparian areas and will move up river columns.

How It Got Here:

Originated from Asia and spread west for the last few hundred years (primarily by fragmentation)
10mm of plant can re-grow to maturity.

Reasons for Concern:

Can invade and thrive in a variety of habitats with no natural predators or control mechanisms.
Knotweed has evolved characteristics that aid the plant in exploiting riparian areas
Knotweed reproduces through seeds, rhizomes, and sprouting from stem pieces which can move quickly down a riverbed and create new infestations.
Knotweed can cause reduced land value due to its invasive nature.
Canes can sprout through 6 inches of concrete or asphalt. (roads & foundations)

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What is stem injection?

Stem injection is a process by which herbicide is injected directly into a plants hollow cane. This unique method is particularly effective with the invasive plant species know as Japanese knotweed. By injecting herbicide into the plants crown, as apposed to an external application you increase the transfer of herbicide throughout the plant systems roots. Not only is stem injection more effective then other forms of herbicide but since the application is done within a plants crows as applied to being applied via a spray it poses less of a threat to the surrounding vegetation. To learn more about how stem injection works click here.

Japanese Knotweed

The Japanese Knotweed is a bright green plant with a hollow stock similar to that of bamboo. Often Japanese Knotweed can grow upwards to 16 feet tall and spreads by means of its root system. Additionally Japanese knotweed and its hybrid the Bohemian knotweed can be identified by its spade shaped leaves as well as by the off white flowers that grow around the plants branched. Because the plant has few natural predators it has spread throughout North America To learn more about this invasive species click here.