Japanese Knotweed is an alien invasive perennial species that has become increasingly problematic in Scotland.

Non native plants from around the world have historically been brought in to Scotland for botanical garden collections and accidentally imported with other goods. Although many introduced plants don’t cope well with the Scottish climate there are a few, notably Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Giant Hogweed, which have aggressively colonised many areas of Dumfries and Galloway.

Japanese Knotweed has vigorously invaded natural habitats in Scotland and has ousted native plants creating monoculture stands that grow to the preclusion of all other species. Native plants cannot cope with this invasive alien and local plant biodiversity is reduced.

Japanese Knotweed can also seriously damage buildings, hard surfaces and infrastructure causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to roads, paving and building foundations.