Japanese Knotweed

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Japanese knotweed infestation seen in Alaska

Credit: Tom Heutte, USDA Forest Service

What You Need to Know

Also known as fleeceflower and Mexican bamboo, Japanese knotweed is an aggressive invader that spreads fast and grows into dense thickets. It crowds out native vegetation and is particularly good at invading wetlands, where it can survive floods and colonize quickly after other plants are wiped out.

This map shows the states Japanese knotweed has reached. 

With the right information, you can protect your woods. Start by learning about Japanese knotweed, or jump to steps for damage control or prevention. And remember, help is always available.