Everything You Wanted To Know About Japanese Knotweed

By Author: Mr Simon
Total Articles: 6
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Japanese knotweed originated in Japan where it grew on slopes of volcano. It was bought to the UK in the early 19th century as an ornamental plant. The bamboo like stems and tiny, beautiful white flowers, and lacy spikes makes it quite unique and different from any other plant. Its appearance attracted people and was the main reason why they began to import this plant.

Japanese knotweed appears in the early spring. It starts out as fat green coloured stalks with red speckles poking straight up from the ground. The plant grows between 4-6 inches in height and 2-4 inches in width and appears tall, wooden, and bamboo like. Japanese knotweed is usually mistaken as a part of the bamboo family, but it actually a member of the buckwheat family. The foliage of knotweed is quite large and triangular in shape and has got smooth edges. The leaves too have pointed tips and a wide, flat base. The mature stems of the plant create a zigzag pattern as they grow upward.

The shoots of Japanese Knotweed are edible from April until early May. There are several options for preparing and eating Japanese Knotweed. They are used in ...
... jams, sauces, soups, dessert dishes, and in making simple steamed like vegetables. Japanese Knotweed is an excellent source of vitamins C and A,
potassium, phosphorous, zinc and has been known to have excellent antioxidant
proprties. It is also a prime source for resveratrol. Resveratrol helps reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and aids in the prevention of heart disease. It has also been known to reduce the risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

But what is bad about Japanese knotweed is the damage that it causes to building foundations, walls, concrete, and tarmac. Knotweed finds and exposes any cracks or weaknesses in hard surfaces, be it driveways or patios. It is considered to be a major problem for the construction industry.

Japanese knotweed spreads at an amazingly faster rate. If a neighbouring property is damaged by knotweed which is shown to have originated in your own property, you would be held liable and would have to pay penalty. Buying and selling properties that have knotweed on the land or even on the adjoining land is really difficult.

If someone wants to sell off one’s home or land that has been inflicted by the Japanese knotweed, then it is advisable to first seek treatment for Japanese knotweed eradication from your property Over the counter weed killers and chemicals are neither safe nor are they effective. The roots of the plant grow for up to 2 metres underground and therefore do not get killed by merely sprinkling any chemical above the ground. It is better to call in a professional company that specialises in eradicating the Japanese knotweed. They can offer you permanent solution to deal with this troublesome and destructive weed.

The author of this article is closely associated with the organization and is an experienced writer with expertise in writing about treatment for Japanese knotweed eradication.