

Reynoutria
Botanical name: Reynoutria
Reynoutria
Botanical name: Reynoutria


Description

The reynoutria form a very small genus of large, flowering plants in the buckwheat (sometimes called knotweed) family. A few species within this genus are utilized by beekeepers for their pollen production. The genus on the whole, however, is more famous for hosting several invasives, most notable among these being Japanese Knotweed (R. japonica). Japanese Knotweed, now found in temperate regions around the world, is considered one of the most aggressive and harmful invasive plant species on the planet.

Species of Reynoutria


Japanese knotweed
Hearing the name of japanese knotweed can strike fear in the heart of homeowners. When this aggressive and invasive weed is identified on a property, mortgage lenders sometimes deny loans or demand extensive chemical treatment. This is due to the fact that the root system of japanese knotweed is so extensive that once established, it can be nearly impossible to eradicate.

Giant knotweed
Giant knotweed (Reynoutria sachalinensis) is considered an invasive weed in most areas. In fact, some states in the US have made it illegal to plant or intentionally spread it. Long rhizomes allow it to reproduce rapidly, forming clonal colonies that crowd out other species. A chemical derived from giant knotweed has been used in biopesticides to protect growing plants from fungi.




Scientific Classification

Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Buckwheat Genus
Reynoutria