BOB RHODES SAYS ASIAN KNOTWEED IS IN TOWN

Note from Bob Rhodes to local media:

All of a sudden I am seeing Asian knotweed along our roads. This is exceptionally nasty stuff. It uses runners as well as seeds and grows like crazy. It pushes out everything else and destroys all of the native vegetation that is needed by our birds.

It is almost impossible to kill. There is enough energy in its roots to put up new growth year after year even when you spray it with weed killer. An alternative is to cut it down at ground level, cover it with heavy black plastic and wait a few years before removing the plastic.

The stuff grows to maybe eight feet high and has pretty white tassels on the end. We need a full court press before it gets any further.

Robert Rhodes
Ramapo

EDITOR’S NOTE:

It appears Rhodes is referring to Japanese knotweed, scientific name Fallopia Japonica. Learn more about the weed at this site: http://www.eattheweeds.com/japanese-knotweed-dreadable-edible/.