Michigan’s Indestructible Invasive Species: Japanese Knotweed

There are a slew of invasive plant and animal species in Michigan, but none of them have the sheer desire to live than Japanese knotweed. This plant laughs in the face of destruction. It's not only tough, but this invasive plant is nearly indestructible, surviving everything from fire to floods. Fire? Knotweed says, "Nice try," and just keeps growing.

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Japanese knotweed is a tall, bamboo-like plant with hollow stems, broad heart-shaped leaves, and small, creamy white flowers that bloom in late summer and form in dense thickets. It sounds like we're dealing with a supervillain, but no, it's just a rogue garden plant that has invaded Michigan from Asia and is wreaking havoc on native species throughout the state.

The Beginning of Michigan's Japenese Knotweed Invasion

Originally introduced as an ornamental plant, Japanese knotweed has been spreading its rhizomes (underground plant stems that grow horizontally) and taking over native plant habitats. It spreads through root fragments, seeds, and sometimes, just because it feels like it.

Japenese knotweed chokes out native species because it grows in dense, towering thickets that block out sunlight and smother existing plants. So, what can you do to get rid of it? That's the issue.

Eliminating Japenese Knotweed Can Take Years

Japanese knotweed has the ability to regenerate from even the tiniest of root fragment, so if you think torching it will do the trick, think again. This invasive plant can also erode streambanks and even crack through asphalt and concrete.

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If you spot this green menace, put down the shovel and back away slowly--killing Japanese knotweed requires serious tactics, including herbicides and years of persistence. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has made it illegal to possess this species without a permit because, trust me, nobody wants this plant as a neighbor. For tips on what to do if you spot Japanese knotweed, click here.