Your Checklist for Prevention

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Japanese knotweed seedlings

Credit: Theodore Webster, USDA Agricultural Research Service

There are steps you can take to keep Japanese knotweed from getting established in your woods.

Here's Your Checklist

• Keep an eye out. Get familiar with the plants that grow in your woods and learn to recognize Japanese knotweed.
• Don’t plant invasive species. Japanese knotweed is only one of many invasive plants that is planted as an ornamental. When choosing plants for landscaping, wildlife habitat, or erosion control, go with native plants rather than known invaders like the non-native bush honeysuckles.

Whether you’re trying to prevent an infestation or controlling damage from an existing infestation, you don’t have to go it alone. State, county or consulting foresters, the Forest Service or your local cooperative extension service can all help you protect your woods and preserve your forest legacy.

Learn More

Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group Least Wanted: Japanese Knotweed