HOW DO I RECOGNISE IT?

Japanese Knotweed is a distinctive plant. Early identification is essential to prevent further contamination and spreading.

The weed has various states throughout the year, which can make it difficult to identify. But this handy guide will help:.
 

Spring

• The first signs of Japanese Knotweed growth

• Distinctive red and purple shoots - often accompanied by rolled back leaves which grow rapidly from the stored nutrients in the rhizome.
  
  

Summer

• The stem resembles bamboo, though more green in colour with purple speckles.

• Inside the cane it has distinctive chambers that retain water and nutrients.

• The leaves are large and have pointed tips that extend from the stem in a zig-zag pattern.

• Later in the season creamy-white flowers hang in clusters from the stalks.
  
  

Winter

• As the first frost appears the plant's leaves turn brown, and the plant withdraws back into its rhizome.

• The canes lose their colour and turn into woody stalks which can take years to decompose.

• New shoots can be found growing through the dead canes in the early Spring.
  
  

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