Japenese Knotweed invasion

With the rare exception, Japenese Knotweed grows profusely on the side of the ditch that is mowed by the city mower. It makes one wonder if the mower is instrumental in it’s spread. Another area mowed is along the Pitt river dike. Pictured below is part of an extensive Knotweed patch with logs in the Pitt river as background.

Pitt river dike

A nearby beekeeper with many hives is the source of numerous bees on the Knotweed.

Japanese Knotweed blossoms

Japanese Knotweed

Some beekeepers rely on Japanese Knotweed for a late honey flow. Most of the Knotweed in our area is 1-2 kilometres away along a roadside ditch. The dark honey is so distictive you know exactly what the bees have been into and from time to time a colony will find this source and produce a significant amount of honey. The Japanese Knotweed must be an amazing source of nectar to be able to produce in late summer when the days are short and the weather is not conducive to gathering nectar.

Here is one description of the honey:

Bamboo honey is made from Japanese knotweed, or Polygonum cuspidatum which looks like bamboo, but is unrelated. The knotweeds are related to buckwheat, and the honey, like buckwheat honey, is dark, spicy, and rich in life-giving antioxidants. Bamboo honey is milder and fruitier than buckwheat honey…. Source:http://inmolaraan.blogspot.com/2008/02/bamboo-honey-vanilla-pudding-japanese.html

Japanese Knotweed

Bees on Knotweed

 This plant is so invasive you would never plant it without expecting it to be around forever.