Japanese knotweed
Fallopia japonica
FOUND by aweatherhead2012-07-25
Limestone
ID Confirmed
Quality checked by Beth and Patty
Peer reviewed by pgiles
Field Notes
I am happy because we were outside and it was a beautiful day. The wind was blowing from the NW, the sun was shining, and we could smell flowers around us. We were conducting a field study as part of a Vital Signs training. I was surprised by the size of the Knotweed at the site. The entire area covered close to 9m x 7m.
It was interesting that the vacant lot's border of spruce seemed to be keeping the Knotweed from growing into the next lot.
Supporting Evidence
The length of the leaf was 14cm. This fell within the range of leaf lengths.
The leaf edge was smooth.
The leaf arrangement on this plant was alternate. Which is a characteristic of Japanese Knotweed.
The width of the leaf was 8.5cm. This fell within the range of leaf widths.
The shape was oval and the leaf type was simple.
Species Observation: Species Looked For
Did you find it?:
I think I found it
Scientific name:
Fallopia japonicaCommon name:
Japanese knotweed
Count of individuals:
1-10
Coverage:
Less than 1/4 covered
Reproduction:
Sampling method:
Quadrat (user-placement)
Place Studied
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Map this species
Latitude:
N 46.910870 °
Longitude:
W -67.827420 °
Observation Site Information
Habitat:
Upland - Developed areas
Trip Information
Name:
Empty House Lot on High Street
Trip date:
Wed, 2012-07-25 12:45
Town or city:
Limestone
Type of investigation:
Species and Habitat Survey
Ecosystem:
Upland
Watershed:
Aroostook
Habitat Observations
Species diversity:
8 different species
Evidence of vectors:
Paved road
Driveway
Tree canopy cover:
Open to 1/4 covered
Soil moisture:
Moist
Comments
Limestone sighting with ruler
Just getting started with Vital Signs Aroostook workshop 3/23; we were asked pre-workshop to check out and comment on observations. I had never heard of Japanese knotweed, so appreciate the additional visual datum of the ruler with the leaf; much easier to visualize whether I might have seen this plant during foliage season. Thanks.
Photos and Field Notes
Great photos! They really show the characteristics of fallopia japonica. Also, I really like the sensory details you included in your field notes! It helped me better understand what it was like for you gathering information. Happy gathering!
-The Wild Carrot
Oh!
A Weather Head! I get it. You're a fan of weather. Me, too. Love a good thunderstorm. Or dramatic clouds. I often say I live in Maine because of that gorgeous, late afternoon light that streams in from the side under dark, grey clouds... that against a nice coastal scene with water and pine trees and rocks... the bees knees, to me.
And thank you, thank you for both providing more evidence of no hairs on the underside of the leaves AND exercising Vital Signs' brand new add a picture functionality!
Very cool.
additional detail from aweatherhead himself!
More evidence that there are no hairs on the underside of the leaves.
sweet zigzag pic!
Hi there, aweatherhead (Awe at her head, eh?),
Nice observation. Your images are really clear, your observations well described. I very much appreciated that you reported actual leaf size and included a ruler in you images - fabulous! You made it easy for me to confirm your identification.
cheers,
gbh