
Alexis stands before the stalks of Japanese knotweed (#10, Fallopia japonica). This area of knotweed growth appears to have spread from some deliberately planted specimens. The plant has become such a poster species for troublesome invasives, that it's hard to remember sometimes that it was intentionally introduced. Its extensive system of underground stems helps to limit soil erosion, and it grows amazingly fast. The fresh young sprouts are edible to humans, and the grown plants are harvested and stored as winter forage for zoo animals. Unfortunately, it forms monocultural stands that compete with native plants, and reduce the number and variety of animals where these stands occur. We're digging it out, but we know it will be a long-term ongoing project.

Last year's stalks attached to a root ball, with this year's buds emerging. I hacked the stalks down with my machete, which was fun, but it could have been accomplished as efficiently with a whiffleball bat. Japanese knotweed was 365 urban species #129 and had multiple appearances in the muddy river project and the daily urban nature project.