BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 29, 2020
Japanese knotweed is fast-growing, extremely adaptable and severely invasive. It’s notoriously difficult to kill, and so hardy it’s been known to grow through asphalt, concrete and even the solid foundations of homes. The weed is a native of Asia. It was brought from Japan to the United Kingdom during the Victorian era as an ornamental plant. It came to North America from England in the late 19th century as both an ornamental and to control erosion. Knotweed, which looks like bamboo but is actually a member of the grass family, is really good at reproducing. “It’s probably one of the worst invasives that we have,” Gary Fish, the state horticulturist, said, adding that it is one of 33 plants that are illegal to sell in Maine.