Spotlight on Invasives: Japanese Knotweed
It’s time to be on the lookout for newly emerging Japanese Knotweed, especially along streambanks and waterways!
This invasive perennial, classified as a noxious weed in Pennsylvania, usually sends out new growth in March and April. Look for shoots that are “especially bright red or purple and tipped with many furled leaves that are distinctly triangular” (Penn State Extension).
See this in one of our parks? Please consider posting your observation via iNaturalist, or send a pic with location to LansdowneParks@gmail.com - we will keep track of their locations and plan to cut these back in June.
Penn State Extension has pictures, descriptions, and ideas for treating here.