Can You Eat Japanese Knotweed?

Yes, Japanese knotweed can be eaten – in fact, some say it tastes like rhubarb!

Japanese knotweed is one of the most bothersome invasive species in the UK – it’s difficult to remove and difficult to control. Finding knotweed growing on your property is a nightmare for many homeowners.

There are various different knotweed treatment plans to suit your preferences and situation including herbicide and excavation, but some are now suggesting that the best way to control the spread of Japanese knotweed is to… eat it?

Is Japanese knotweed edible?

While this concept might have your head spinning at first, Japanese knotweed is in fact very edible! Japanese knotweed isn’t poisonous to humans or animals, and can be safely consumed if you’re so inclined to eat it.

It has actually been suggested by some that eating Japanese knotweed is the best way to control its rampant growth without committing to a full treatment plan.

Note: Please don’t ever eat Japanese knotweed that has been treated with herbicide! If you’re not sure, it’s better safe than sorry.

What does Japanese knotweed taste like?

Japanese knotweed reportedly has a tart and tangy flavour, very similar to rhubarb! Like rhubarb, knotweed can be used as part of a savoury main meal or a desert.

While knotweed is in fact edible, its rhubarb-like taste doesn’t negate the fact that it’s an invasive species that can cause significant damage to a property if left to grow unchecked.

If you have Japanese knotweed growing on your property, it’s in your best interest to get it treated as soon as possible. Here at Taylor Total Weed Control we’ve been providing professional knotweed treatments for over fifteen years! If you’d like to learn more about our various knotweed treatments, had on over to our website!

Japanese Knotweed Removal

If you think you have knotweed on your property but aren’t quite sure, reach out today to arrange your FREE Japanese knotweed survey! One of our seasoned professionals will survey your property and let you know if there’s knotweed growing, where it is, how much there is, and give you a quote for our treatment services.

Free Knotweed Survey

READ MORE: What Eats Japanese Knotweed?