ADVENTURES WITH KNOTWEED... AND MUGWORT

Knotweed is everywhere in and around Maple Springs and the MSCA and MSIC boards have a plan to control and remove as much as we can in 2026.  A permit application for treatment has been approved by the town and a contractor has been engaged to treat the knotweed in late summer.  You may have this aggressive invasive on your property, so following below is some basic information about knotweed and treatment:

What is Knotweed?

Knotweed is an invasive plant species that spreads aggressively and can cause significant damage to natural ecosystems, infrastructure, and property. It grows quickly, forming dense thickets that crowd out native plants and disrupt habitats. Because of its strong root system (rhizomes), it is difficult to eradicate once established.

How to Spot It

Knotweed is often mistaken for bamboo because of its hollow stems and jointed nodes. Key features to look for include:

• ●Stems: Hollow, bamboo-like, with distinct purple or reddish speckles.
  
• ●Leaves: Broad, heart- or shovel-shaped with a pointed tip, arranged in a zig-zag pattern along the stem.
  
• ●Flowers: Small, creamy-white clusters that bloom in late summer to early fall.
  
• ●Growth pattern: Can reach 6–10 feet tall by mid-summer, often forming dense stands.
• Why It Matters
• Left unmanaged, knotweed can damage sidewalks, roadways, and building foundations. Environmentally, it displaces native species and reduces biodiversity. Its resilience makes it one of the most problematic invasive plants to manage.

• ●Do not cut and discard casually – fragments can regrow easily.
  
• ●Avoid spreading soil or plant material from infested areas.
  
• ●Report sightings so they can be documented.
  
• ●Professional treatment (mechanical removal and/or herbicide applications) is often needed for long-term control.  

 For more information, see WNY PRISM, a local licensed knotweed management firm.

Mugwort is an increasingly pesty weed this year.  Hand pulling while getting the root material will work.

NY PRISM offers a management guide for those who may be inspired to "manage."

 

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