Is It Japanese Knotweed? Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant species that can cause a lot of damage. During the summer months, Japanese knotweed can grow by as much as 10cm per day, taking over gardens and occasionally damaging roads and buildings in its path. Oh, and did you know that Japanese knotweed can impact the value of your home by up to 10 per cent?
With so much to lose, we think it’s important to spread the word and share our Japanese knotweed knowledge so that you can identify Japanese knotweed quickly if you do ever come across this plant. We’ll also advise you on the best cause of action to take so you can regain control of the situation before it’s too late!
Not sure if it’s Japanese knotweed?How to identify Japanese knotweed
Let’s not beat around the bush: in order to identify Japanese knotweed accurately, you’ll need to know exactly what it looks like. Unsurprisingly, very few people are blessed with an encyclopaedic knowledge of plants, so identifying this worrisome weed can be a bit of a challenge. We’ve put together a handy Japanese knotweed identification guide to help you determine whether the suspicious new plant on your property is Japanese knotweed or something less menacing.Have a click around our Japanese knotweed specimen to see its key characteristics:
Japanese knotweed identification guide:
These distinctive features help make identifying Japanese knotweed easy:
Leaves
If you see any Japanese knotweed leaves appearing in your garden, we recomend enlisting the help of a Japanese knotweed specialist as soon as possible.
Stems
Flowers
Rhizome (root)
Identifying Japanese knotweed throughout the year
Japanese Knotweed looks very different during the different phases of its life. The best time of year to identify knotweed is in the mid-to-late summer, when the plant is fully grown and its distinctive leaves and flowers are on full display. We’ve put together a handy pocket-guide to help you identify Japanese knotweed all year round.Spring
During the spring, Japanese knotweed begins to make its presence known. Typically starting in mid-March, red and purple shoots will begin to appear and quickly bear rapidly growing leaves.Summer
In the height of the summer, Japanese knotweed is in full swing. Bright and full, it appears green and leafy above ground, with purple-speckled stems. This is when you’ll spot those creamy-white Japanese knotweed flowers.Autumn
As the lush green of the summer turns to autumnal auburn, Japanese knotweed follows suit. Its leaves will turn a yellowy gold, while the stem will fade to a darker brown.Winter
As temperatures drop, the wintertime design of Japanese knotweed becomes far less colourful. Brown and bare, the weed retreats back to its rooty rhizomes, leaving behind its woody stalks.Knotweed or not? That is the question...
Thankfully, not all suspected cases of Japanese knotweed are the real deal. In fact, the villainous vine has many doppelgangers and most instances of suspected knotweed are merely a case of mistaken identity.Before you start panicking or butchering your back garden, be sure you have a genuine case of Japanese knotweed on your hands. Many plants look like Japanese knotweed, including the following species:
Bindweed
However, unlike Japanese knotweed, Bindweed isn’t capable of supporting itself and, instead, makes its vertical ascent by coiling itself around the stems of other standing plants.
It also boasts large flowers in the summertime, clearly differentiating itself from traditional Japanese knotweed.
Russian Vine
On the other hand, it is also similar to Bindweed in that it relies on other plants to grow upward, twisting and climbing around the stems of taller, more solid vegetation.
Bamboo
That being said, bamboo stems are considerably denser than its Asian brethren and boast a strong sturdiness lacking in Japanese knotweed. Bamboo leaves are also notably narrower and longer.
Broadleaf Dock
However, this plant is typically shorter than Japanese knotweed and contains a foamy substance in its stem, clearly visible when cracked open.
What to do if you suspect Japanese knotweed
If you’re fairly certain you’ve come across this invasive crop then you need to get a professional second opinion. Someone who’s used to dealing with Japanese knotweed on a regular basis will be able to confirm the plant’s identity, determine the severity, and advise you on the best course of action.Get in touch with the Taylor Total Weed Control team if you'd like us to perform a free, discreet, no-obligation survey of your suspect shrub.
We offer a range of Japanese knotweed treatment plans, as well as a Japanese knotweed insurance backed guarantee, so that your home and garden can recover quickly.
Get in touch if you think you’ve spotted Japanese knotweed on your property