(Fallopia japonica, syn. Polygonum cuspidatum, Reynoutria japonica)

My science teacher suggested that I do a blog post about this subject, and I wasn't sure how it was connected to Latin or greek Mythology. But, sure enough I found a way to connect a herbacious plant to a classic language.

Have You Seen This Plant?

Unfortunately, I am becoming all-too familiar with it...

In my science class, we are learning about enviromental conservation. We found something of interest right outside our classroom doors. What did we find, you ask? We found a herd(yes I'm calling it a herd) of Japaneese Knotweed, also known as "evil bamboo". Japanese knotweed was once used in ornamental gardens, but during the summer it blooms and spreads its seeds all over the place. Now, that is in itself is not bad, but the problem is that it is one of many invasive species, or a type of plant that is not native to an area, now found in West Virginia. The knotweed escaped from the gardens and is now found competing(and winning)against native plants and flowers. Japaneese knotweed poses a threat because the native wildlife, such as Monarch Butterflies, that depends on the native plants(oddly enough)will not survive. This is a chain reaction. If the Monarch caterpillars cannot find any milkweed to eat, this species will bacome extinct.

Now, if you find Japaneese Knotweed in your neighborhood, PULL IT OUT!!! Although cutting it down will temporarily prevent it from going to seed and spreading more knotweed, the remaining roots that are left in the ground will produce a whole new plant. Did I mention that in an area where there is Japaneese Knotweed other plants won't grow? Yep, that's right so if you don't pull the entire plant out their roots will produce a chemical that prevents other plants from growing.

As you can see, the garden at my school has to be postponed until the knotweed is gone

Thank you for reading this article and I hope that I have encouraged you to get rid of that knotweed of yours. Oh, and how I related Japaneese knotweed to Latin...well you all know that the genus species of any plant is written in Latin, right! Well all I can say is find and get rid of your Fallopia japonica, syn. Polygonum cuspidatum, Reynoutria japonica!!!


Pull Baby Pull,
Morgan, the enviromental conservatist and classy classicist