DoomsdaysCWRE: https://kolektiva.social/@DoomsdaysCW/115243881352867637
Tagging for #SolarPunkSunday!
Don Curren 🇨🇦🇺🇦“The highly #invasive perennial, #Japaneseknotweed (Reynoutria japonica), has been dubbed the "world's worst plant" by some, thanks to its ability to develop massive underground root systems called #rhizomes, which can damage foundations, crack pipes …” www.blogto.com/city/2026/03...
'World's worst plant' sprouts ...
'World's worst plant' sprouts ...
blog.TO'World's worst plant' sprouts in Ontario this time of year and can destroy your home
Although spring in Ontario means warmer weather, more rain, and budding trees, it also signifies the resurgence of one of the province's most problematic plants, which, if left untreated, can quietly wreak havoc on your property.The highly invasive perennial, Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), has been dubbed the "world's worst pl...
https://www.blogto.com/city/2026/03/worlds-worst-plant-sprouts-ontario/
Although spring in Ontario means warmer weather, more rain, and budding trees, it also signifies the resurgence of one of the province's most problematic plants, which, if left untreated, can quietly wreak havoc on your property.The highly invasive perennial, Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), has been dubbed the "world's worst pl...
https://www.blogto.com/city/2026/03/worlds-worst-plant-sprouts-ontario/
This is potentially a game-changer when it comes to dealing with #Knotweed (which just laughs at #Glyphosate)!
#MeshTech: A New Strategy for Managing Knotweed
February 24, 2026
"Knotweed (#Reynoutria spp.) is a severely invasive plant originating from Eastern Asia. Introduced to the East Coast in the late 1800s as an ornamental, knotweed has since become ubiquitous across North America, reaching over 40 US states and 8 Canadian provinces. Knotweed has proven extremely detrimental to a wide variety of ecosystems in which it has established. Forming tall, dense thickets, knotweed shades out native plants, preventing them from growing. Additionally, knotweed is #allelopathic, meaning it releases organic compounds into the soil that inhibits the growth of native plant species.
Knotweed also increases erosion along streams and riverbanks. By shading out native groundcover species and reducing the diverse root reinforcement provided by native species in riparian zones, riverbanks lose considerably more soil when infested with stands of knotweed (Hammer 2019, Matte et al. 2021). This erosion can increase turbidity of waterways, potentially affecting fish and other aquatic species (Henley et al. 2000). The reduction of native plants in riparian zones paired with winter dieback of knotweed stems also leaves riverbanks extremely vulnerable to winter and early spring flooding. This degradation of the riparian area creates a feedback loop in which floods carry knotweed propagules downstream, where they can colonize and increase erosion in new areas (Colleran et al. 2020).
Historically, management of knotweed has been extremely time-and-resource intensive. Large populations require years of consistent treatment, often combining mechanical and chemical approaches to be effective. This commitment to diligent, multi-year mechanical treatment can be discouraging and can lead many to abandon treatment plans before completion. However, a new knotweed management technique could reduce labor inputs.
Developed by Dr. Eric Donnelly, the MeshTech management technique has produced promising results at managing the growth and spread of knotweed while dramatically reducing labor inputs. This method involves cutting knotweed stems down to the soil level and laying -inch galvanized steel hardware fencing over the cut stems. When knotweed resprouts, it grows through the openings in the fencing. As stems mature and thicken, the metal fencing will begin to cut into the stems.
The knotweed will continue to grow through the fencing, effectively girdling itself at its base. This method aims to impact knotweed's nutrient pathways while also damaging the structural integrity of the plant. Alone, this method cannot eradicate knotweed populations. However, the MeshTech method can potentially reduce the health and vigor of knotweed, thus reducing the amount of cutting required in a growing season and the rate of spread in an area.
At the #PleasantHillPreserve in #ScarboroughME, the #ScarboroughLandTrust (#SLT) has begun implementing the MeshTech method to manage a portion of their knotweed infestation. An effort led by SLTs #Stewardship Director Sami Wolf and Nathan Hjort, owner of Absolutely Complete Property Services, initial results indicate that the hardware fencing is proving successful. The knotweed forced to grow through the hardware fencing at Pleasant Hill Preserve showed clear signs of strain. Stems demonstrated significantly stunted growth and had even begun flowering early, an indication that a plant is under stress. While knotweed struggled to grow through the -inch holes, #NativeFlora had begun to sprout up through the hardware fencing. Other knotweed management practices, such as #tarping or mowing, often discourage the growth of native species in a management area. Over time, the presence of native flora could provide an extra level of #BioticResistance that could help slow the growth of knotweed and help kickstart #NativeRevegetation efforts. Eventually, supplemental plantings of native woody species can take place by cutting openings in the fence to allow for these larger species to grow. The fence can also be easily staked down, preventing knotweed or moving water from moving it out of place.
It is important to note that knotweed is a resilient plant and there is no single management action alone that will completely eliminate a population. The most effective knotweed management strategies use creative combinations of multiple approaches. Knotweed is a rhizomatous species, meaning it has an extensive, underground nutrient storage system made up of horizontal rhizomes that store nutrients. Draining this underground nutrient storage is the key to effectively managing an infestation. Consistent cutting of knotweed forces the plant to exhaust its below ground resources. By combining a cutting regimen with the MeshTech method, land managers could potentially see a significant reduction in their management timeline.
The effectiveness of this method provides promising implications for the future of knotweed management in Maine. Paired with consistent management, the MeshTech method could provide Maine with another tool to mitigate the spread of knotweed and reduce our reliance on chemical treatments."
Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=13343931
#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalSolutions #NoHerbicides #HerbicideAlternatives #JapaneseKnotweed #LandTrusts #Rewilding #NativePlantSpecies #RestoringNativePlantSpecies #InvasiveSpecies #InvasiveSpeciesWeek
#MaineDepartmentOfAgricultureConservationAndForestry
‘If you can’t beat them, eat them.’ Why foraging for invasive plants is good for you — and the planet.
How to identify and cook two invasive species
By Jenna Perlman, Updated April 16, 2024
"The Globe asked local #foragers for recipes incorporating two edible (and quite tasty) invasives: #GarlicMustard and #JapaneseKnotweed. Below is a detailed identification guide and some of the best recipes, with help from certified educator Rachel Goclawski, who runs the 'Cooking with Mrs. G' YouTube channel."
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/7CNV1
#SolarPunkSunday #InvasiveSpecies #EatEmToBeatEm #Foraging #Recipes
20 Delicious #JapaneseKnotweed Recipes for Spring
December 28, 2024
"Spring is here, and so is Japanese knotweed—that tart, rhubarb-like invader begging to be turned into something delicious! Whether you’re a forager or just curious about this seasonal ingredient, we’ve rounded up 20 creative ways to use it, from tangy jams to savory stir-fries. Ready to give this versatile plant a spot on your plate? Let’s dive into these mouthwatering recipes!"
https://simplyfamilyrecipes.com/japanese-knotweed-recipes/
#SolarPunkSunday #WildEdibles #InvasiveSpecies #Foraging #FallopiaJaponica #Recipes
Eating #JapaneseKnotweed: Safety, Recipes & ID Guide
2025-08-17
The Basics: Eating Japanese Knotweed Safely
"Before you grab your harvesting basket, let’s cover the foundational knowledge. Getting these basics right is the key to a safe and tasty foraging experience. It’s all about what you eat, what it tastes like, and most importantly, when you eat it.
What parts of Japanese knotweed are edible?
"The only parts you should eat are the new, young shoots that appear in the spring. You’re looking for stems that are tender enough to be snapped easily with your fingers, much like fresh asparagus. These shoots should ideally be between 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) tall.
"As the plant matures, the stems become tough, woody, and fibrous, making them unpalatable. The leaves and flowers are not typically consumed. Always peel the outer skin of the shoots, as it can be a bit tough, and only use the inner core. The inside is hollow, which is a key identifying feature.
What does Japanese knotweed taste like?
"The flavor profile of young Japanese knotweed is one of its most pleasant surprises. It has a distinctively tart, tangy, and refreshing taste that is remarkably similar to rhubarb, but perhaps a bit more 'green' or 'lemony.' Some people also detect earthy notes, similar to asparagus or sorrel.
"Because of this similarity, it’s an excellent substitute for rhubarb in most recipes. It cooks down into a soft, pulpy texture, perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. I once made a knotweed and strawberry crumble for friends who were skeptical, and they couldn’t tell the difference from a classic rhubarb version!
When is the best time to harvest Japanese knotweed?
"Timing is everything. The harvesting window for edible Japanese knotweed is quite short, typically lasting from mid-April to late May in most North American and European climates. The key is to catch the shoots when they are young and tender.
"Here’s what to look for:
Height: Aim for shoots under 1 foot (30 cm) tall.
Texture: They should be crisp and snap easily. If you have to saw at it with a knife, it’s too old and will be unpleasantly woody.
Appearance: The young shoots are often reddish-purple and speckled, resembling asparagus spears.
"Once the plant grows taller and its distinctive heart-shaped leaves begin to unfurl, the stalks quickly become tough and fibrous. Harvesting too late will result in a stringy, unpleasant meal."
Read more [includes poisonous lookalikes and recipe ideas]:
https://flavor365.com/eating-japanese-knotweed-safety-recipes-id-guide/
#SolarPunkSunday #InvasiveSpecies #WildEdibles #Foraging #FallopiaJaponica
#JapaneseKnotweed: an invasive plant's potential for innovation
Classified as an Invasive Alien Species (#IAS), Japanese knotweed is renowned for undermining ecosystems. But some researchers, designers and architects are approaching the tenacious Asian perennial as a resource to create new material solutions for fine crafts, but also for industry. Formes de Luxe shines a light on four makers that are turning this ‘nuisance’ plant into an opportunity.
Christel Trinquier
Published on 01/08/2024
Excerpt: "Inspiring bio-concrete
In the UK, architect Irene Roca Moracia and designer Brigitte Kock (both graduates of Central Saint Martins) have also seized on the potential of invasive knotweed to create what they dub 'bio-concrete'. The material, developed as part of the LVMH Group's Maison/0 program for regenerative luxury, is inspired by the cement made in ancient Rome. Except that in this case, knotweed replaces wood ash and/or volcanic ash. Once incinerated, it is mixed with water and the shells of American signal crayfish - another invasive species in Europe threatening native fauna. The material is then poured into molds to obtain the desired shape.
"No heat treatment is needed as hardening takes place in the open air and no pigments are added either: the final textures and shades depend on factors including the proportions of ingredients in the mix, hardening times and reactions that occur between the water, aggregates (crayfish shells) and the Japanese knotweed binder. With the appearance of raw concrete, marble or natural stone, the duo's hand-shaped bio-concrete tiles come in a range of shades from white to wine-red, with or without inclusions of knotweed root fragments.
"For the moment the material is purely decorative as it cannot integrate structural architectural elements but is suited to store interiors, window displays or even in caps and ornamental pieces for packaging."
Read more:
https://www.formesdeluxe.com/article/japanese-knotweed-what-material-solutions.64278
#SolarPunkSunday #Cosmetics #SustainableFurniture #Bioconcrete #NaturalDyes #Paper #Fiber #BambooSubstitute #Cellulose #FallopiaJaponica
