Frost knocks Fallopia

Japanese knotweed sprouts were green and growing aggressively one day, and brown and limp the next. I couldn’t believe it. What was going on?

Had the park service sprayed chemicals? I called Crescent Beach State Park officials to see if they had decided to rid the park of knotweed. Nope. They were just as surprised as I was. I noted a hint of excitement too.

So I checked in with our Vital Signs Fallopia japonica Species Expert. Turns out there was a late April frost in southern Maine and New Hampshire that took its toll on new knotweed shoots growing along edges and exposed areas without a lot of cover. Wow. Guess it didn't pay to be an early grower this season.

Did you see this happen in your area?

Do you think this will impact spring growth, fall seed production, or the amount of knotweed crumble baked in Maine this year? Keep your eye on it.

Frost bitten stand of Japanese knotweed

Green shoot....brown leaves

More green shoots....more brown leaves