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Japanese Knotweed
Polygonum cuspidatum |
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Japanese knotweed is a herbaceous
perennial that can reach heights of 9' tall. Semi-woody stems are erect and
hollow and resemble bamboo canes. |
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Leaves: Leaves are dark green and
are 4-6" long. Flowers:
There are many small greenish white flowers. These flowers bloom in late
summer.
Fruits & Seeds: Seeds are
small, shiny, and black. They are enclosed in a winged calyx that makes them
buoyant.
Roots: Robust rhizomes grow 6'
deep thus creating a dense impenetrable mat.
Ecological threats
 | Japanese knotweed invades forest
edges, wetlands, fields, roadsides, and urban areas. It poses a
significant threat because it will eliminate vegetation and cause erosion. |
| Young stems can produce new roots
and shoots if buried or floating. |
| Japanese knotweed is able to break
through pavement and building foundations. |
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