Expert issues five warning signs to identify fast-growing Japanese knotweed

Leicestershire residents are being urged to know the five key signs that their gardens have been invaded by a destructive species. Japanese knotweed is dangerous and can seriously devalue a home.

Chris Bonnett, an expert at GardeningExpress.co.uk, has revealed a watch to watch as Japanese knotweed has many telltale signs. The plant is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world’s worst invasive species.

Japanese knotweed is a real problem because its root system results in rapid growth. The beetle is so powerful and invasive that it can damage a home’s concrete foundations, as well as impact buildings, roads and pavement.

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According to Mr. Bonnett, there are five key signs that all homeowners and gardeners should look out for when identifying Japanese knotweed. He urged caution to anyone who spots him around their home.

Chris said: “The Japanese knotweed may look quite attractive with its creamy white flowers and heart-shaped leaves, but it is extremely destructive to its surroundings.

“To many novice gardeners, Japanese knotweed will look normal, but it can cause a lot of damage to your home by eating its way through walls, which is why it’s important to be able to recognize it. If you’re still not sure whether or not you have cycads in your garden, then it’s best to get in touch with an experienced gardener.”

The five telltale signs of Japanese rattlesnake are:

Red shoots

New shoots will start to appear in spring – these are red/purple and can look a bit like asparagus spears. The leaves are normally rolled and dark green or red in color.

Leaves

As the leaves begin to spread, they will turn a vibrant green color and be heart/spade shaped with a point at the tip. Some can be up to 20 cm in size and grow staggered at the stem.

FLORA

Small clusters of white/cream flowers will appear in late summer and early fall. The clusters grow to about 0.5 cm wide but up to 10 cm long. The leaves will still be evident and together with the flowers will create a dense foliage.

strains

The stems are mostly hollow and bamboo-like, with knots and purple spots. The general growth habit has a distinctive zig-zag appearance. The stems can grow up to 3 meters tall. In winter, the stems become brittle.

Roots/rhizome

Rhizomes are the underground part of weeds. If they are fresh, they will break easily. The outside is dark brown and the inside is usually a dark orange/yellow color. The rhizome system of Japanese knotweed can grow to depths of 2 meters and extend up to 7 meters horizontally from the plant. As little as 0.7g of rhizome can give rise to a new plant – this is one of the reasons why this weed can become so unpleasant.

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