Japanese Knotweed
Last updated: 16/04/2012
Add to My Bookmarks
Subscribe
Japanese knotweed, sometimes known locally as donkey
rhubarb, (scientific name Fallopia japonica) was introduced to the
UK in the mid nineteenth century as an ornamental plant. Since then
it has become a serious problem in a range of habitats,
particularly roadsides, riverbanks and derelict land, displacing
native flora and causing structural damage.
In the UK, although Japanese knotweed plants produce seeds, these
are rarely viable. Therefore spread is by vegetative means, either
by rhizome (root) fragments, or by crown (base of the stem) and
stem segments.
The majority of Japanese knotweed has been spread by riverbank
erosion, and by mans' activities, such as fly-tipping garden waste
and moving contaminated soil. Mechanical flails and mowers will
also spread the plant.
In Cornwall Japanese knotweed has become widespread. Many
watercourses are choked with it and large areas of derelict land,
wasteland, roadside verges and hedges have become infested. It is a
significant problem making it difficult to restore or develop land,
displacing important native flora, blocking visibility and causing
physical damage to roads and property. Because of its highly
invasive nature and the difficulties in controlling it, it has
become an expensive weed to manage.
Why has it become a problem?
Japanese knotweed is not native to Europe, therefore the pests
and diseases that control it in Japan are not present in the UK. In
Japan, Japanese knotweed grows in harmony with other plants and
only grows to a fraction of the size that it does in the UK.
Similarly, many British plants that have been taken abroad have
become highly invasive elsewhere.
Japanese knotweed is a problem throughout Europe and most of
North America. Its vigorous growth excludes almost all of our
native species, which cannot compete with the tall summer growth or
the thick mulch of decaying canes and leaves in winter. Many of the
insects that are dependent on our native plants are also lost.
Useful links
© Cornwall Knotweed Forum.
The information on these pages has been compiled by the Cornwall
Knotweed Forum from information provided by its members and
partners. It is provided in good faith to the raise awareness of
the issues and to promote best practice in the control of Japanese
knotweed. The information may be used freely for private and
educational purposes but may not be copied for commercial use. We
update information and advice on a regular basis. However the
Cornwall Knotweed Forum, or any of its constituent members cannot
be held responsible for the efficacy of the treatments described,
or any damage to persons, property or the environment that arises
from interpretation of the advice given.
We welcome links from other sites but copying to other sites is
not permitted.
Always read the product label.