Giant knotweed invasive plant confirmed in Edmonton for the first time
The Alberta Invasive Species Council confirmed DNA testing of a plant found on a private Maple Ridge property last year. It's the largest knotweed species and spreads aggressively.
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Giant knotweed has been confirmed in Edmonton for the first time, found on a private residential property in Maple Ridge last year, the Alberta Invasive Species Council announced Friday.
The plant, scientifically known as Reynoutria sachalinensis, is the largest of the knotweed species and spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes that damage concrete and asphalt, crowd out native vegetation, and are costly and difficult to remove. The council classified it as a "prohibited noxious weed" under Alberta's Weed Control Act, meaning it must be eradicated.
It is not known how the plant arrived in Edmonton, but the council suspects it was intentionally introduced as an ornamental through online or in-store purchase, or as a plant transplant. Currently, there are no known populations in Edmonton's natural areas or public properties.
Giant knotweed can reach between 10 and 20 feet in height and has already been found in several Canadian provinces. Anyone who believes they've spotted the plant is asked to take clear photographs, record the location, and report it using the free EDDMapS app.
