Japanese Knotweed Alert

Knotweed is a highly invasive species that can
RUIN YOUR PROPERTY!

​Protect your investment
IDENTIFY, REPORT & ERADICATE JAPANESE KNOTWEED!

Jason recently found a patch of Japanese Knotweed growing along the edge of a customer's yard in Antrim County between the Villages of Central Lake & Bellaire. (Way too close for my comfort!) Jason immediately alerted the homeowners. They had noticed it growing but had mistakenly identified it as Basswood saplings so they left it be. They were shocked to learn of the devastation caused by knotweed, and how difficult it is to eradicate it.

It's easy to see how knotweed can be misidentified or overlooked until it becomes a problem. Knotweed is a pretty plant. Unfortunately, it can and will spread quickly. If left unchecked, knotweed can destroy structures, kill vegetation & it will eventually consume your entire property. Seriously folks. I'm not being dramatic here. People have lost homes to knotweed & millions of dollars are spent on litigation, education, control & eradication measures.

LEARN TO IDENTIFY JAPANESE KNOTWEED

• Japanese knotweed has large heart-shaped leaves alternating down the stems.
• Hollow, bamboo-like stalks grow upright and remain throughout the winter.
• Stems have distinct nodes and a white-colored fine coating that is easily rubbed off.
• Tasseled spikes of small white flowers appear near the end of stems in August-September.
• Produces small, dark, glossy 3-winged seeds.

The State of Michigan offers a free printable PDF on Japanese Knotweed. For more information on other invasive species in Michigan visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Japanese Knotweed is a perennial herbaceous shrub native to East Asia. It was first introduced here as an ornamental plant. It is not native to the U.S. and its cultivation is prohibited in Michigan. 

• Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria Japonica, Polygonum Cuspidatum, Fallopia Japonica) is one of several types of knotweed, all members of the Polygonaceae Family. Buckwheat is a member of this family too.
• Common names include Fleeceflower, Himalayan Fleece Vine, Monkeyweed, Monkey Fungus, Hancock's Curse, Elephant Ears, Pea Shooters, Donkey Rhubarb & Sally Rhubarb. 
• It's also referred to as Japanese, American and/or Mexican Bamboo although knotweed is not related to bamboo.

• Japanese knotweed, and its kin giant knotweed, are both highly invasive,  destructive plants that pose a threat to Michigan residents. And wouldn't you know... the two will hybridize!

​IT IS ILLEGAL...
To introduce or possess Japanese Knotweed without a permit from the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

But don't worry, you won't get
"busted for knotweed" if you are reporting it
​for identification, control & eradication.

Oh come on now!
​IS KNOTWEED REALLY THAT BAD?

Yes it is! While researching for this post, I came across a news article about a man in England who documented his fight against a knotweed invasion. His property was mortgage-free. It lost value until it was worthless, overtaken by knotweed. Although he put up a great fight, he ultimately lost the war. Feeling hopeless, his property, home & finances in ruins, the man killed his wife, then himself. Thankfully, most people would never take such desperate measures however, his story accurately illustrates knotweed's all consuming nature.

• Japanese Knotweed is a vigorous grower. Plants grow in colonies reaching 6-10' in height with deep taproots and an extensive network of rhizomes that can spread up to 65' underground.
• One colony can have an underground root system as large as a football field!
• Knotweed is MOST agressive in disturbed areas, both natural and manmade. (Along river banks, roadsides, construction sites, etc.)
• It grows best in full sun but it is semi shade tolerant. It grows well in most soils & moisture conditions.
• Knotweed forms a dense monoculture that chokes out all other vegetation by limiting the amount of light & nutrients competing plants can receive.

If that's not bad enough...

• Japanese knotweed also releases chemicals that are toxic to other plants. These chemicals kill competing vegetation and/or stifle their ability to grow.

• Knotweed is capable of growing through small cracks in cement & asphalt. It will force its way through sidewalks, patios, walls, foundations, etc.
• It will sprout & grow from tiny fragments of rhizomes as well as pieces of stem dropped or left behind. Do not attempt to burn it, dig it out or cut it down. Remember, knotweed is most aggressive when disturbed.
• Chemical treatments are necessary but should only be performed by licensed professionals. Treatment will require multiple applications continued over the course of several years for complete eradication.  (Up to 10 years!!)

​​WHAT?! 10 years of chemicals? But, you know how we feel about gardening with chemicals! Please, DO NOT expose yourself or others to toxic chemicals & deadly poisons. PLEASE, DO NOT DO IT YOURSELF!

From what I have read, DIY chemical treatments are not successfully controlling it, let alone eradicating it. This includes the practice of using hypodermic needles to inject glyphosate directly into the plant's hollow stems to ensure direct contact with its root system. Multiple applications over the course of many years are required. Protect yourself and our planet. This job is best left for the professionals for several reasons.

• Knotweed tends to grow in wet areas. To protect our waterways, Michigan has required set-backs from the Ordinary High Water Mark of all lakes, rivers, streams & wetlands. You can not spray, alter or otherwise disturb those areas without permit.
• Michigan law ENFORCES a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for accidental overspray & chemical drift.
• If you hire someone to apply chemicals (ANY chemicals including the Round-Up you bought at Walmart) Michigan law REQUIRES those people to be certified & licensed through the State of Michigan.
• I can not stress this enough people, ALWAYS ASK TO SEE THEIR LICENSE! If you have any doubts, contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture. They will tell you if the company & the applicator is licensed to spray.
• What if they're not licensed? Well, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. The Department of Ag does not mess around! I happen to know of a company that was fined $4,000.00 just for advertising chemical applications online during a temporary lapse in licensing.

CHECK 2019 PESTICIDE APPLICATOR BUSINESS LICENSES HERE

Anyone offering pesticide application services for hire (including advertising & bids) MUST HAVE a Pesticide Applicator Business License (PABL). PABL expires annually on December 31st. If you look up a firm offering pesticide application services & do not find them on this list, please report it to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) - Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division at 517-284-5771.

So, if you can't dig it out, burn it, cut it down or spray it...
​What are you supposed to do?
​
REPORT JAPANESE KNOTWEED!

CAKE-CISMA
​231-533-8363
​Ext. 5

CAKE - CISMA is the Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska & Emmet Counties Cooperative Invasive Management Area. CAKE-CISMA is a cooperative effort between local conservation districts & environmental entities to inform the public on invasive species concerns and assist landowners in managing against invasive species. CAKE-CISMA offers education & outreach events along with cost sharing treatment programs for landowners. The Antrim Conservation District serves as the fiduciary for this regional cooperative, and houses the CAKE-CISMA office. For more information, visit the Antrim Co. Conservation District and CAKE-CISMA websites.

THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!
MISIN - Michigan Invasive Species Information Network​

We encourage all Michigan residents to download & use the MISIN app to report invasive species.

• Identify Invasive Plants & Animals
• ​Report Invasive Species
• Capture & Submit Field Observations

Now that I've scared the bejeebers out of you, is there anything good to be said about knotweed? Well, actually, yes. Japanese Knotweed leaves, shoots and roots do have culinary & medicinal uses. 

• Known as Huzhang (Tiger Stick) in China and Itadori in Japan, both cultures use knotweed for medicinal purposes. 
• Medicinal uses include treatments for bronchitis & other lung diseases, gum disease, skin disorders, fluid retention & pain.
• ​Knotweed powder & capsules are available online as an herbal supplement. I don't know what (if anything) they're good for so please, don't try them without consulting your physician first.
• Stalks may be eaten in the early spring. Their taste is described as having a bitter, sour. lemony-rhubarb flavor.
• Abundant blooms provide nectar for bees which in turn produce a mono-floral honey sometimes called bamboo honey. Bamboo honey is described as a milder version of buckwheat honey.

Ok friends, here's your assignment...

Take a walk around your property to look for knotweed and other invasive species. If you're up north over the 4th of July holiday, keep an eye out every where you go. Hiking, biking, kayaking. Everyone has a cellphone on them these days. Download the MISIN app to document and report knotweed and other invasive species.

THANK YOU FROM THE PILLYWIGGINS!