Identifying Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed begins to grow in early spring and can grow in any type of soil, no matter how poor. It can grow as much as 20 centimetres per day, and can reach a height of 1.5 metres by May and 3 metres by June. It does not produce viable seeds in the UK, but instead spreads through rhizome (underground root-like stem) fragments and cut stems. Japanese knotweed:

  • produces fleshy red tinged shoots when it first breaks through the ground     
  • has large, heart or spade-shaped green leaves
  • has leaves arranged in a zig-zag pattern along the stem
  • has a hollow stem, like bamboo
  • can form dense clumps that can be several metres deep
  • produces clusters of cream flowers towards the end of July
  • dies back between September and November, leaving brown stems 

 

 

 

Image of Japanese Knotweed 

 

Wilkinson Grounds Maintenance is specialised in destroying, disposing of and managing Japanese Knotweed, which is a non-native species of injurious weed.

Managing land infested by invasive plants in a timely and appropriate way can avoid:

  • excessive cost
  • potential prosecution and compensation claims
  • physical damage to buildings and hard surfaces
  • harm to the environment