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Timothy's avatar

It's widely used as a valuable and nutritious food source in its lands of origin. Medicinally, too, I believe. WHY don't we do the same? Many "pest" species are a godsend when actually used. Dandelions, bamboo, Japanese knotweed: they all become problematic WHEN WE DON'T USE THEM.

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Jonathan M Frishtick's avatar

It does not have any structural integrity like true bamboo so it cannot be used for any “construction” purpose. Its use as a food source is not realistic given its abundance. It takes over entire stream banks for miles and miles. Realistically, once entrenched, it cannot be removed. Sadly, herbicide application may be the only solution. I have lost a thirty year battle with it on my property.

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Compass Vermont's avatar

I agree. There are many Asian restaurants who have a knotweed salad don their menu. I also have wondered why it can’t be used like bamboo as a building material.

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Benjamin Cronan's avatar

NO. This shit needs to go

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Emily Dooley's avatar

As it turns out, Japanese Knotweed makes a potent tincture in fighting Lyme disease. Considering the increase in ticks and disease in New England, maybe it is thriving at a time that we need its medicinal assistance.

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Robert Bernstein's avatar

I have already said, somewhat humorously, that we ought to declare it 'the state plant.' Oh, maybe, 'the State Riverside Plant.' It invaded and succeeded.

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