Summer's here, which means that Japanese knotweed plants in the UK are currently in the most aggressive phase of their growing cycle (see When Does Japanese Knotweed Grow? for more information on that).

Photo by Leonora Enking (View Original)

Japanese knotweed is at its most visible during the summer, so now is the time to have a look outside and make sure this invasive plant species is not growing on your property. If you suspect that Japanese knotweed is growing on your property, but you're not 100% sure, we recommend sending in a photo of the suspect plant. One of our professional technicians will be able to identify the knotweed plant and suggest a suitable course of action.

Japanese Knotweed Identification   Japanese Knotweed Removal

How to Spot Japanese Knotweed

Here are five common Japanese knotweed signs you can watch out for to successfully identify Japanese knotweed..

1. Red and purple shoots

The first signs of Japanese knotweed appear in the spring, usually April or May. The plant's shoots are red or purple in colour, and once they've emerged, they will quickly bear leaves. This brings us to...

2. Heart-shaped leaves

Japanese knotweed leaves are green with reddish veins. They're shaped like love hearts, and they can reach up to 20cm in length.

3. Clusters of small white flowers

In the summertime, the Japanese knotweed plant bears clusters of pretty little flowers. They are creamy white in colour.

4. Bamboo-like stems

The stems of a Japanese knotweed plant are speckled with flecks of purple. Mature stems are hollow and could be mistaken for bamboo. In winter, these stems become dry and brittle.

5. Rhizome roots

Japanese knotweed has brown roots that are orange on the inside. These hardy rhizome roots are very difficult to eradicate!

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Note that there are several plants that look like - but are not - Japanese knotweed. Our blog post on Plants That Look Like Japanese Knotweed will help you to identify the real thing from its lookalikes!

If you do find Japanese knotweed on your property, contact Taylor Total Weed Control to arrange a free survey. Our experienced Japanese knotweed specialists will be able to identify the knotweed and advise you on what to do next.

Book a FREE Japanese Knotweed Survey

READ OUR GUIDE: How to Identify Japanese Knotweed