Japanese Knotweed
An invasive species is establishing itself in Michigan's forests. This destructive plant isn't given a second glance by some, yet it's taking over. Growing at a rate of up to 4 inches per day, this plant is pushing native vegetation out of its natural habitat and destroying the ecosystem.
Japanese knotweed can grow to be 3-12 feet tall. It congregates and forms thick groups very quickly, preventing native plants from initiating growth. The plant grows mainly on disturbed land, roadsides, and along streams or rivers. When thickets form on a riverbank, the soil is eroded much more quickly. Habitats are ruined by this invasive plant. From December to March, Japanese knotweed grow white flowers. Is leaves are round and pointed at the tip, which are much smaller than its relative, the Giant knotweed. The Japanese knotweed's stems are a reddish-purple.
Japanese knotweed can grow to be 3-12 feet tall. It congregates and forms thick groups very quickly, preventing native plants from initiating growth. The plant grows mainly on disturbed land, roadsides, and along streams or rivers. When thickets form on a riverbank, the soil is eroded much more quickly. Habitats are ruined by this invasive plant. From December to March, Japanese knotweed grow white flowers. Is leaves are round and pointed at the tip, which are much smaller than its relative, the Giant knotweed. The Japanese knotweed's stems are a reddish-purple.
Where is it?
The shaded portion of this graph shows how far the knotweed has traveled. This picture would not be possible without https://dnr.state.il.us/Stewardship/cd/biocontrol/12Knotweed.html.
"Japanese Knotweed Identification." KleerKut. KleerKut Ltd, 2011. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.