If you have heard anything about Japanese Knotweed growth, you have heard that finding it on your property is not a good thing. Dangerous plant life may not be something you read about every day, but there are ways that Knotweed could qualify as a dangerous plant. Is Japanese Knotweed dangerous? Let’s break it down and find out the answer.
Is Knotweed Edible?
Those with pets or foods growing in their garden may have concerns about eating knotweed. Is it poisonous?
The answer is no; it is not dangerous to eat. Funnily enough, it has a hint of the taste of rhubarb. There are even websites dedicated to cooking recipes from Japanese Knotweed, from savoury starters to sweet desserts. If you fancy it, Japanese Knotweed is perfectly safe to eat by both animals and humans alike – with one exception.
Never eat any Knotweed under the treatment of herbicides as part of Japanese Knotweed eradication in Manchester. If you suddenly start to suffer any adverse reaction, seek medical assistance immediately.
Is it Dangerous to Touch?
Many UK-based plant life can be dangerous to touch and cause physical harm – such as Giant Hogweed and stinging nettles. Japanese Knotweed, however, is safe to touch.
All areas of a Japanese Knotweed plant are safe when touched. The only risk you have with touching Japanese Knotweed is the potential to cause its spread inadvertently. Spreading Knotweed, even accidentally, is a crime under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Country Act 1981. Being seriously fined or risking a prison sentence is not worth touching the plant and causing it to shoot up somewhere fresh.
How Is It Dangerous?
You can touch it, and you can eat it, so why is it classed as dangerous?
Knotweed can easily overtake and dominate any area due to its rapid growth, easily outcompeting native plants and strangling them out of their way. That has knock-on effects on our native wildlife, forcing various species out of their natural habitat.
Knotweed is also powerful and resourceful enough to force considerable damage onto property structures by growing inside pipes and tangling into underground wiring – even piercing through brick and concrete. If left to dominate the area, knotweed can cause structural instability and leave your property unsafe to occupy.
If you have Japanese Knotweed growth at your property, contact the team at Solutions for Japanese Knotweed today to get knotweed surveying and Knotweed treatment in Manchester underway. Our licensed professionals in Japanese knotweed removal are here to help you eliminate the real dangers of this invasive plant on your property.
