ItB次元官网网址檚 a quiet invasion but the Capital Regional District wants homeowners to be diligent in identifying and properly disposing of the invasive species knotweed.

The bamboo-like plant B次元官网网址� in particular the Japanese, bohemian and giant varieties B次元官网网址� is causing problems for waterways and other species of plants.

The plant, originally from Asia, is edible and has some medicinal properties. But it is listed by many countries as one of the worst invasive species. In B.C., knotweed is considered a priority for eradication.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a real vigorous one,B次元官网网址� said City of Colwood parks manager Gordon Beauvillier, who is a member of the Captial Region Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP).

Last year, CRD parks workers tackled a patch on the Galloping Goose trail near Colwood Corners that had spread to about a six- to nine-metre square patch.

The biggest problems, said Beauvillier, are when residents grow the invasive species as an ornamental plant or simply donB次元官网网址檛 remove it properly.

B次元官网网址淭he stock and everything is very bamboo looking, it comes out with a nice, white flower,B次元官网网址� Beauvillier said. B次元官网网址淥nce you know what it is, itB次元官网网址檚 hard to confuse it with other things.B次元官网网址�

The plant has hollow stems that can grow three to five metres tall. The leaves are heart-shaped and come to a pointed tip. In late summer, the plant flowers with small white clusters.

Despite its good looks, however, knotweed can cause serious problems.

B次元官网网址淚t absolutely takes over waterway ecosystems,B次元官网网址� Beauvillier said. B次元官网网址淚t will destroy waterways, which will destroy the wildlife and the fish habitat. ItB次元官网网址檒l clog waterways. ItB次元官网网址檚 really bad. And it grows. ItB次元官网网址檚 a vigorous grower and itB次元官网网址檚 extremely hard to get rid of.B次元官网网址�

Disposal is at the heart of the problem. Knotweed is a tough plant. Beauvillier said there have been cases of the plants growing in landfills and it has also been known to grow through asphalt and concrete foundations.

For now, knotweed has mainly been kept to isolated patches on private properties. Some property owners are tackling the plant on their own, but Beauvillier said the Coastal Invasive Plant Committee, in partnership with CRISP, can help deal with infestations.

Knotweed needs to be disposed of properly or else it will grow back and spread.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 the lack of information out there for people and the understanding of how bad it actually is that is really giving us a tough time,B次元官网网址� Beauvillier said.

To report knotweed, call CRISP at 250-857-2472. For more information on the plant, visit www.coastalinvasiveplants.com.

kwells@goldstreamgazette.com

Did you know?

B次元官网网址� The Coastal Invasive Plant Committee classifies the various species of knotweed as species to be B次元官网网址渃ontained,B次元官网网址� meaning there are established infestations in the region that need to be contained before they spread.

Other plants in this category include diffuse knapweed, carpet burweed, yellow flag iris and butterfly bush.

B次元官网网址� The next category, B次元官网网址渃ontrol,B次元官网网址� is for species with widespread infestations.

B次元官网网址� Plants in this category are typically only fought if they are threatening a conservation area. Included in this category are burdock species, English ivy, St. JohnB次元官网网址檚 wart, tansy ragwort, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom.