Stop the Knot (weed)

Japanese Knotweed (Reynotria japonica) has arrived in Blowing Rock. Large and fast-spreading, this plant can do extensive damage; its roots can break through concrete and clog drain pipes, it forms a dense canopy and is allelopathic — releasing chemicals which inhibits the growth other plants, creating a dead-zone which can take years to recover even after the plant is removed. 

It can damage buildings, walls, driveways, and sidewalks. Left untended only increases the damage that will be done and the cost of removal. The best strategy is to remove it as quickly as possible. Until it blooms, the plant is unremarkable and easy to over look. Once it blooms you need to act fast, the showy flowers make it easier to identify and speed the removal process.

What to do

Property owners

Only the smallest plants can be removed by digging. The preferred approach is apply herbicide to the area, and monitor for re-growth. Repeat this process throughout the growing season, be prepared to repeat for 1-2 seasons. The Town of Blowing Rock maintains lists of services that can remove Japanese Knotweed, contact:

Cory Cathcart, Landscape Director, Town of Blowing Rock

• Email: ccathcart@tobr.us
• Office phone: 828-295-5222, option 3

Reporting

Use the form below to submit any sightings of Japanese Knotweed in the town of Blowing Rock. The town will address patches found on public land, and can refer property owners to services that can assist with removal on private land.

Citizen Science

Participate in our Citizen Science project: Stop the Knot. Make an observation using iNaturalist, and be sure to record the location. The town will treat the area if it is within their service area. Visit: inaturalist.org/projects/stop-the-knot