There are many different plants and weeds that can be confused for Japanese knotweed. So what does Japanese knotweed look like?
Japanese knotweed is quite a distinctive plant; but it does share many features with other similar weeds. For this reason, we would always recommend that a PCA certified surveyor visits your property to confirm whether or not the suspected plant is Japanese knotweed. It also changes with the seasons, here is how you can identify Japanese knotweed in each season…
Japanese knotweed will start growing from March or April. The new shoots are a dark red, almost purple colour. As the leaves start to unfurl, they may have a reddish tinge. The leaves will otherwise be light green in colour, appearing as fresh new growth.
Japanese knotweed will grow heart-shaped leaves. The stems will be green whilst they are growing and will develop purple speckles later in the season. In late summer, white flowers will appear.
The flowers will die off. The leaves will turn yellow in colour before dropping off the plant. The dead stems will become cane-like and will turn brown before dying away completely.
The stems will appear hollow and woody. The stem can persist in your garden for up to two years after the leaves have dropped. If the stand has been there for several years, the stand may become black and knobbly over time.
If the plant has been sprayed, the knotweed may appear as pictured in this article under winter or autumn. The leaves will die off, but some may remain attached to the plant depending on the season. The stems will appear woody. If the plant has not been fully eradicated, new green growth will appear quickly, especially in spring or summer.
If you suspect you may have Japanese knotweed, we offer a free online identification service. Just send us a photograph of the suspected plant and we will confirm within 24 working hours. Alternatively, our certified surveyor can complete a site visit and confirm whether it is or is not knotweed, providing you with a comprehensive survey report and a plan for management. Why not get in touch to find out more?