Knotweed Project

BACKGROUND:

During 2010, the Invasive Plant Committee of the Rockport Garden Club surveyed
and mapped Rockport properties town-wide recording the presence of Japanese
Knotweed on homeowners' and public land.

This year Club members are at the top of the list
of residents who may request and receive help in
eradicating this invasive plant from their property.
However, we feel it is important that all Garden
Club Members have access to information
regarding this invasive plant. With acquired
knowledge each one of us can spread the word to
our families and neighbors who may be unaware
of its presence.

What is Japanese Knotweed and why do we need to eradicate it? Originally
imported as an ornamental in the late 1800s, it was recognized decades later
as one of the most tenacious, aggressive and invasive plants ever imported to
the Western Hemisphere. Knotweed is a large, clump-forming, herbaceous
perennial with 4 to 12 foot tall canes giving a bamboo-like appearance.
Knotweed displaces native vegetation due to its aggressive growth. It forms
dense stands that crowd out all other vegetation, degrading native plant and
animal habitat. It is difficult to control because of extremely vigorous
rhizomes that form a deep, dense mat. It can grow through asphalt. If
attempts are made to dig it up, plants can resprout from stem or root
fragments. Seeds and fragments will sprout on damp earth.

Flowering Knotweed Eliminating knotweed will be a long-term process
with repeated effort for several years. Through
education and identification and community-wide
efforts, we hope that one day Rockport will become
free of this noxious weed.

Here on our website we have posted photographs, the
methods of eradication we are recommending to our
members, and links to articles that describe early
detection, prevention and management by various treatment options. Cutting
followed by chemical control, digging up plants and smothering with fabric or
plastic are methods described in the web articles.

For those who wish to work on their own, we can offer advice. Contact us if you
would be willing to spend some time helping other RGC members.

Working in an area surrounded by wetlands (within 100’ of a wetland) requires a
permit. If you wish to know whether your land is wetland or not, contact the
Conservation Commission Office at 546-5005.

Why Do Research on Japanese Knotweed in Rockport?

TREATMENT:

Japanese Knotweed Treatment Options

Directions for Documenting Your Infestation

Wetland Treatment Directions

DATA SHEETS:

Data Location, Size, Vigor

Data JK Treatment

REFERENCES/USEFUL ARTICLES/WEBSITES:

King County [ WA State] Noxious Weed Control Program, Invasive Knotweed BMP: http://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/library/water-and-land/weeds/BMPs/Knotweed-Control.pdf

Montana State University Extension Service:
http://msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/EB0196.pdf

New England Wildflower Society:
http://www.newfs.org/protect/invasive-plants/removal/common-invasives-management.html