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Japanese knotweed has a reputation as an aggressive, noxious weed, and it’s well-deserved deserved reputation comes from its growth patterns, extending up to 3 feet (1 m.) every month, sending roots up to 10 feet into the earth. However, this plant isn’t all bad because certain parts of it are edible.

Disclaimer

This article by CYB Environmental seeks to provide insight in the prospects of potentially eating Japanese Knotweed, as research, as well as trial and error, shows that parts of the plant are edible. However, this article is solely for theory and should be taken with an imaginary context. Before consuming Japanese Knotweed, be sure to contact your doctor or do your own research.

About Eating Japanese Knotweed

If you’ve ever wondered, “is Japanese knotweed edible,” then you’re not alone. There are actually a number of “weeds” that can be useful in this way. The stems of Japanese knotweed have a tart, citrusy flavor, much akin to rhubarb. Better yet, it is a rich source of minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese, as well as vitamins A and C.

Before you gather an armload of Japanese knotweed, however, it’s important to know that only certain parts are safe to eat, and only during certain parts of the year. It’s best to gather shoots when they’re tender in early spring, generally under about 10 inches (25 cm.) or less. If you wait too long, the stems will be hard and woody.

Methods Of Preparing Japanese Knotweed

So how can you eat Japanese knotweed? Basically, you can use Japanese knotweed any way you would use rhubarb and the shoots are interchangeable in recipes for rhubarb. If you have a favored recipe for rhubarb pie or sauce, try substituting Japanese knotweed.

You can also incorporate Japanese knotweed into jams, purees, wines, soups, and ice cream, to name just a few. You can also combine Japanese knotweed with other fruit such as apples or strawberries, which complements the tart flavor.

Further Disclaimer About Japanese Knotweed

The contents of this article are for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician, medical herbalist, or other suitable professional for advice.

For further information on Japanese Knotweed and the possibilities of removing it from your garden completely, be sure to contact our experts at CYB.

If your neighbour fails to treat a Japanese knotweed infestation in their garden and the Japanese knotweed starts growing in your garden, you may have a claim against your neighbour for any damage to your property caused.

Firstly, what is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and its hybrids are a non-native, invasive species of plant. They invade natural habitats and out-compete the native plants and animals that normally live there. It spreads very easily and is an extremely strong plant that can cause structural damage to buildings, As well as rendering properties as ‘unmortgagable’ by the majority of the UK major lenders.

How do I treat Japanese knotweed growing in my garden?

Japanese knotweed cannot simply be dug up and thrown away. The spread of Japanese knotweed is a serious threat to our countryside, and the native plants and animals that rely upon it. Tackling the plant should be taken very seriously with thorough planning and execution if we are to combat this invasive weed.

Chemical control is the application of specialised herbicides to Japanese Knotweed plants over a period of several growing seasons. This is often the most economical treatment option and will cause the least amount of disruption.

Japanese Knotweed can be cut, and the infested soils can be excavated and removed to an off-site, appropriately licensed, waste-management facility. The volume of excavated soil can vary from site to site and is an expensive and time-consuming type of removal.

Japanese Knotweed can be excavated and then buried on-site, but it must be covered with a specialist root barrier membrane to prevent any re-growth. A root barrier membrane can also be used to encapsulate Japanese Knotweed where space does not allow burial.

What should I do if my neighbour has Japanese Knotweed?

If you notice your neighbour may have a Japanese knotweed issue, the first step to take would be to make sure they know and understand the implications of this invasive plant. It could be that they haven’t identified the Japanese Knotweed and therefore were unaware of the trouble it could cause.

What are the legal implications of your neighbour having Japanese Knotweed?

It’s worth noting that an owner or occupier of land is not obliged to control, remove or treat Japanese knotweed on their land. They can be liable, however, should they allow the knotweed to spread onto neighbouring land. There is also a significant risk that even if the knotweed does not spread onto the neighbour’s land, the owner may still be liable to the diminution in value of the neighbour’s land for the knotweed simply being in the vicinity.

If you think you may have a Japanese Knotweed problem, then be sure to get in contact with one of our team now to get it sorted as quickly as possible! Summer is one of the worst times for Japanese Knotweed to take hold on your property, so the sooner you get it sorted, the better. Call us now on 020 3005 8755.

For the vast majority of people in the UK, their property is their largest asset. But, unfortunately, Japanese knotweed can have a serious impact on a property’s value and can deter potential buyers from purchasing a home. This is still the case even if the knotweed has been successfully treated, making homes particularly difficult to sell. But how can you identify Japanese knotweed – and get rid of it?

Removing Japanese Knotweed is a trickier job than simply digging up the plant. Any rhizomes, tiny fragments of stem or root can cause the plant to begin growing all over again. For the complete removal of Japanese Knotweed, contact our specialists at CYB Environmental.

What Is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese knotweed, also known as ‘Fallopia Japonica‘, is the most common form of knotweed found in the UK. It is highly invasive and grows vigorously from year-to-year, producing stems up to 3m tall (10ft) during summer months.

But it is the roots that cause the biggest problem, as the plant develops an extensive network of underground stems known as ‘rhizomes’, which can grow through hard surfaces such as concrete and tarmac. Worryingly, knotweed trials have shown that rhizomes as little as 0.7g (around 10mm or the length of your fingernail) can produce a whole new plant within 10 days. This can cause serious damage to the foundations – making selling highly challenging.

What To Do Now That You’ve Identified Japanese Knotweed

As a quick fix, you may be looking at how to get rid of Japanese knotweed yourself, without the use of specialists. We would not recommend this as the removal of Japanese Knotweed is rarely successful for beginners. The plant can grow back, with even the slightest bit of stem left behind. A specialist, like CYB Environmental, will use optimised chemicals and techniques, backed by years of experience in the removal of Japanese Knotweed.

Am I Liable If My Neighbour Has Japanese Knotweed?

The short answer is no. According to a recent Court of Appeal ruling, landowners are now able to claim damages if the identified Japanese knotweed plant has invaded their property from elsewhere, which won’t leave you out of pocket. In short, if it can be proved that the knotweed growing stemmed from an adjoining property, that homeowner could be held liable for the cost of its removal and any loss of value.

An Introduction To Japanese Knotweed

The scientific name for Japanese Knotweed is Fallopia Japonica, with other family derivatives by the names of Giant Knotweed and Himalayan Knotweed. Being a native plant from Japan, China and Taiwan, Japanese Knotweed was introduced to Britain by the Victorians in the 1800s as an ornamental garden plant. Known for its rigorous growth and rapid spreading, Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 2 metres in length, within a single season, with underground roots stretching for up to 7 metres. Japanese Knotweed is illegal to plant in the United Kingdom, but completely legal to have it growing within your own garden, or land. However, if the plant spreads to neighbouring houses or gardens, you may be liable for legal action being taken against you. Japanese Knotweed is treated as controlled waste and cannot be dumped in domestic green recycling bins, with only licensed landfill sites being able to take it.

Popularity In The Past

A German-born botanist by the name of Philipp von Siebold found Japanese Knotweed growing up the side of a volcano and decided to begin using it as an ornamental plant for residential gardens. The plant was celebrated for its beauty and potential use for feeding animals. In 1845, Japanese Knotweed began to be sold commercially by nurseries and studies showing how it was used during coal mining to stabilise loose soil.

Issues That Japanese Knotweed May Cause

With Japanese Knotweed being discovered growing up the sides of volcanoes, the destructive capabilities of the plant were completely unknown. With the erratic climate and constant deposits of ash covering the plant, it would be naturally kept in check, being able to solely survive due to its deep rooting capabilities. Here in the United Kingdom, we tend to not have volcanoes in our back gardens and with nothing to fight against, Japanese Knotweed can grow at an unchallenged rate and may have devastating consequences. It is possible for Japanese Knotweed to grow at up to 20cm per day and has the ability to break through a number of surfaces. These surfaces are some of the sturdiest and most common throughout society, such as concrete, tarmac and brick. It can overpower practically any other plants, swarming them and preventing access to light.

The Removal Of Japanese Knotweed

Removing Japanese Knotweed is a trickier job than simply digging up the plant. Any rhizomes, tiny fragments of stem or root can cause the plant to begin growing all over again. For the complete removal of Japanese Knotweed, contact our specialists at CYB Environmental on info@cyb-environmental.com

Looking for some pointers for how to spot Japanese Knotweed? The appearance of Japanese Knotweed will change with the seasons, so it is important you know what to look out for depending on the time of year. As experts in eliminating the invasive weed, we have put together a season by season checklist for you to go through when attempting to identify the plant. 

If you suspect that you may have Knotweed growing on your property, whatever time of year it is, we do not recommend attempting to treat it yourself. Once you have identified it using the checklist below, call in a professional japanese knotweed removal service to avoid any further complications with your property or mortgage later down the line. Read More

Japanese knotweed can play havoc in your garden during the summer months; it has similar traits to bamboo and can grow over seven feet tall. But when it comes to winter, the Fallopia Japonica, or Japanese knotweed, seems to die off. The canes lose their leaves and turn brown. Over the winter the canes will slowly decompose and the remains of the plant will litter the ground. The decomposing remains of Japanese knotweed on the ground will stop other plants from growing on that patch of soil. This plant is truly nasty, but don’t be fooled by its decomposing state. This is the perfect time to go about removing this weed, as the plant is in fact not dead but in a dormant state. It will be back bigger and better with new shoots starting again in spring.    Read More

Japanese Knotweed and the Law in the UK

If left to grow out of control, japanese knotweed can become not only an expensive issue, but a legal one too. Ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to dealing with this invasive weed, so it is important you know exactly where the law stands.  Read More

The Problem of Japanese Knotweed in Cardiff, Wales

We are aware that Japanese Knotweed can be a frustrating issue for residents and businesses in Cardiff, Wales. When left undealt with, in summer time it’s rapid and aggressive growth can crack tarmac, block drains and cause structural damage to buildings. Things are made more complicated by the fact that without expert help, Japanese Knotweed is notoriously hard to get rid of. Fortunately though, help is at hand – CYB Environmental are Japanese Knotweed specialists operating in Cardiff and all around the South of Wales. Read More

Japanese Knotweed removal is a highly complicated process, but one which must be undertaken with urgency. If left untreated, it can quickly become a serious problem, causing structural damage to properties and ruining garden landscapes.

Read More

Japanese Knotweed is a notoriously invasive plant, so it is important that it is identified as early as possible, in order to mitigate the damage it can cause to your property. With professional consultation and removal, japanese knotweed problems can be dealt with. However, for this to happen, it needs to be correctly identified in the first place so the issue can be reported.

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