Q: I have started clearing a large and overgrown area of my yard and have seen a clump of unfamiliar weeds with white flowers. A friend of mine warned it might be Japanese knotweed – what does this look like and how do I get rid of it?
A: Japanese knotweed, or Fallopia japonica, is a notoriously invasive plant. Originally from East Asia, it has now spread to many areas of the world, including the US, the UK, and parts of Europe. It has purple-flecked canes that can reach over 7ft tall, heart-shaped leaves, and long tassels of creamy-colored flowers in the summer. In the winter, it dies back; though you can spot it by the dead brown canes while it’s dormant. If you’re in any doubt, it's best to take a photo of it and ask a specialist removal firm to identify it.
