Help Identifying a Plant

[sara213]

I think this is Japanese knot weed.
Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I believe it is. Unfortunately I have some on my lot as well.

 

[sara213]

At first I didn't really think of it as much because what was there before was bush. We had a huge willow that came down on it own and the conservation authority people came out and cut it up for us. Then I noticed this plant emerging...so that was what a couple of weeks ago. I didn't try to actually look up the name of the plant until yesterday and discovered that it is a very invasive plant. In the uk they have a huge problem with it.

 

[cavemanrich]

I never seen this stuff growing in my area. (does not mean it does not)
I read the link you posted. Very interesting. One reason I would avoid eating it, is same as for Pokeweed. Only certain time/stage it's OK.
Article also referenced Rhubarb. I do grow it myself, and am very aware of the leaves. Wish it was as prolific as some of these other weeds.
I'm not sure how to control the growth of said weed, but maybe one of these would work.. or at least keep from overcrowding your other plants.

 

[sara213]

I was going to plant a seed packet of wildflower mixture of native plants that i bought from a local garden centre. I don't know how effective it will be...but it doesn't hurt to try.

I don't think i would try to eat the plant either...considering i never really eat rhubarb except in pies. haha..

 

[cavemanrich]

I eat the rhubarb in a fruit punch type dessert which contains apples, strawberries and what ever other fruit we have on hand. We are not much into making pies, but do enjoy those from Bakers Square. They are the only ones in my area that make Strawberry Rhubarb pie. Maybe there are other establishments as well.
I do encounter rhubarb in the produce section during season. It never comes with the leaves like other produce such as beets and others do.

BTW,,, Plant those wild flowers...

 

[rosemarythyme]

The reason knotweed is such a problem plant is cutting it down or pulling it up doesn't work, it will regrow unless you can dig out the root network That said, yes I do pull it, as it at least seems to slow the spread.

 

[sara213]

I will plant the wild flowers.
I may pull some more of the knotweed up though. Because on top of that plant we also have red fire ants. Which I believe may have been eating it? I know fire ants like to eat the tubers of some plants.

 

[ellend]

OMG kill it NOW! Japanese Knot weed spreads like crazy by rhizome, and is very difficult to kill. Dig it out, and don't give any away and don't compost it!