Japanese knotweed
Fallopia japonica
FOUND by SuperStar2011-02-16
Portland
ID Confirmed
Quality checked by Snoop Dog Whelk
Peer reviewed by Snailfish 3000
Field Notes
I am happy because I am out in the fresh air. I see cars, smell exhaust and Becky's Diner. We were suprised that the seeds are edible, and that not everybody was properly dressed for the winter conditions.
Supporting Evidence
We saw that stems were in a zig zag pattern, which matches with Japanese knotweed we saw on the species ID card.
The plants grew in dense groups, and were approximately 8-9ft tall, which we estimated based on our height. This also corresponds with the species ID card
The stems had dried seeds still left on them, and they matched the picture on the ID card.
Species Observation: Species Looked For
Did you find it?:
I think I found it
Scientific name:
Fallopia japonicaCommon name:
Japanese knotweed
Sampling method:
Just looking around
Place Studied
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Map this species
Latitude:
N 43.649760 °
Longitude:
W -70.258260 °
Observation Site Information
Name:
SuperStar's visit to Commercial Street
Habitat:
Upland - Developed areas
Trip Information
Name:
Commercial Street
Trip date:
Wed, 2011-02-16 15:34
Town or city:
Portland
Type of investigation:
Species Survey
Ecosystem:
Upland
Watershed:
Presumpscot
Sampling Method:
Just looking around
Nearest waterbody:
Casco Bay
Comments
Great job guys! The pictures
Great job guys!
The pictures are fantastic! A regular Ansel Adams must have taken those!
edible!
I also just learned, from Tom Seymour's book, that this stuff is edible. I'll be trying it this spring. Your pictures are terrific. I have this growing in my area and it matches your description perfectly.
Good job!
Winter identification of plants can be really hard. You did a great job. Next time, maybe you should wear a jacket and close toed shoes, Snailfish3000.
Do you have any idea how it got here?
Have you seen this plant anywhere else near where you live?
We hear that goats do a great job controlling this species, maybe you need a new pet.
Thanks!
gold stars
Stars and high-fives all around for this observation!
Did you eat a seed, or just read about how delicious they are? You can cook up the stalks like rhubarb too. If you like eating invasives, I suppose the good news is that you'll likely never run out.
More observations, please!