Fast-Growing, Invasive Plant Threatens Homes + Infrastructure in Michigan

A highly-invasive, fast-growing weed is spreading in Michigan and experts say that it can cause damage to roads and even your home.

It's called Japanese knotweed, and state officials say there are high levels of the weed present in Michigan and that it can actually break through concrete.

What is Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed is known by several names here in the US. Its scientific name is Fallopia Japonica but it is also known as Fleeceflower, Mexican Bamboo, and Huzhang according to the US National Invasive Species Information Center.

It can grow in a wide range of habitats and forms dense thickets of bamboo-like vegetation that "aggressively outcompetes native plants."

The weed tends to thrive in the late summer and early fall.

Japanese Knotweed in Michigan

Shika Singh is an Invasive Species Biologist with the Jackson, Lenawee, Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Coalition. Singh tells WILX-TV that the plant can spread very quickly.

“If a small piece dropped, it could become a new plant over time and it changes the environment,” she says.

She goes on to say that in some areas, the weed can be so prevalent that it smothers other plants and causes birds and insects that are native to the area to leave.

Potential Damage to Homes and Infrastructure in Michigan

Singh explains that if the weed gets close to a home or road, it can break through foundations and even sewers.

“It’ll exploit any holes or cracks in the foundation of a building or by a cement wall or by a parking lot,” Singh tells the TV station.

Fighting Back Against Japanese Knotweed

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, attempting to eradicate the weed by cutting or mowing is not recommended.

This document explains that a herbicide known as Imazapyr has shown the greatest effectiveness against Japanese Knotweed. The chemical acts slowly and may take time to reach the plant's root system. All label directions should be followed when working with herbicides.