to the edge of residential backyards along the SW Bike Path.
Japanese knotweed (Ploygonum cuspidatum) is now poised to invade this backyard along the SouthWest Bike Path in Madison, WI. Photo by Stephen B. Glass.
A well-established population of Japanese knotweed has been spreading along the north side of the SW Bike Path for several years, now it has jumped (on gone under) that barrier and is growing on the south side of the asphalt path within yards of some residential backyards.
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What is that large mass of plants/bushes stretching along the gully on the north/west side of the SW Path that has white or light-colored flowers on top? Is it knotweed?
HI Alan,
You are correct, that is Japanese knotweed in bloom. As you noted it forms a monoculture in the storm water ditch just north of the path.
The storm water channel is managed by the City of Madison Engineering Division who has hired a contractor to kill certain weed species along the path–Japanese knotweed among them. However, I don’t know if there are plans to try to control the knotweed in the storm water ditch.
I’m planning a post that will discuss the City’s weed control efforts along the path this summer. More later . . .
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