Japanese, knotweed, Fallopia
The Two Rivers Environmental Advisory Board is warning residents about an invasive species.
Japanese knotweed can grow between six and nine feet and can be extremely difficult to control.
The board says it spreads rapidly underground, forming dense thickets that crowd out native plants and wildlife habitats.
The roots are even strong enough to damage pavement and other infrastructure.
Two Rivers residents could have Japanese knotweed if they notice large four-to-six-inch heart-shaped leaves and hollow bamboo-like stems.
Unfortunately, digging up the plant with its roots will not stop it from growing again.
The Environmental Advisory Board recommends an herbicide treatment to stop the plant.
Residents are asked to report patches by contacting Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership Invasive Species Coordinator Patricia Scuglik at patrica@lnrp.org.
