science

Japanses Knotweed is an herbaceous perennial.This stout, shrub-like plant froms large dense clumps that measure between 3-9 feet high.It reproduces by seed
 * Japanses Knotweed**

and by large rhizomes which may reach a length of 15-18 feet. The sterms are reddish in color,ridged.Stems of Japanese knotweed are smooth, stout and

swollen at joints where the leaf meets the stem. Although leaf size may vary, they are normally about 6 inches long by 3 to 4 inches wide, broadly oval to

somewhat triangular and pointed at the tip.The flowers bloom in late summer and are small and greenish white.Seeds are triangular, shiny, and very small, about

1/10 inch long.

Japanese knotweed is native to Japan, China,and parts of Koreaand Taiwan. It was introduced from Japan tothe United Kingdom asan ornamental plant in1825,

and from there toNorth America in the latenineteenth century. Also known as crimson beauty, Mexican bamboo, Japanese fleece flower, or Reynoutria, it was first

introduced as an ornamental and has also been used for erosion control and for landscape screening.