The knotweed family (Polygonaceae) is an immensely large one: the estimated 48 genera and over 1200 different varieties are widespread all over the world. Local, well-known species include rhubarb and buckwheat, a pseudocereal. What all knotweeds have in common is their immense growth potential, which is an advantage on the one hand and a serious disadvantage on the other. At this point we will introduce you to the most important knotweed species for your home garden in more detail.

There are over 1200 knotweed species

Knotweed as a climbing plant

A well-known climbing plant that is as popular as it is feared is the climbing knotweed (Fallopia baldschuanica), which belongs to the knotweed family. This climbing plant is one of the fastest growing climbing plants and can grow up to eight meters high - and just as wide - within just one year. Climbing knotweed is perfect for greening large areas, but it needs a lot of space and is also very destructive.

Knotweed as a ground cover

On the other hand, if you are looking for an area-wide, dense carpet-forming ground cover, then the dwarf knotweed (Bistorta affinis) may be the right choice for you. However, this knotweed species is not only very willing to flower - the pink panicles of flowers can be admired between July and September, but, like all knotweeds, it is also very vigorous. Here, too, it is important to keep a close eye on growth and spread and, if necessary, to contain them in good time.

Knotweed as a perennial

The meadow knotweed can be cultivated on moist soil - for example near a pond or watercourse as well as on wet meadows. Also known as snake knotweed, this species grows to a maximum height of 80 centimeters and is adorned with dense foliage and pretty spikes of pink or white flowers. Both the leaves and the young shoots of the meadow knotweed can be prepared as a vegetable, while the roots have been used for the production of a natural diarrhea remedy since time immemorial.

Dreaded weed: Japanese knotweed

In both Switzerland and Great Britain, the planting of the Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), often referred to simply as Japanese knotweed, is forbidden even in private gardens - the plant, which is difficult to control, endangers the native vegetation too much, which it simply displaces. The neophyte multiplies very quickly via so-called creeping shoots and can only be removed if all roots and even the smallest root components are removed without leaving any residue.

tips and tricks

Like the meadow knotweed, the young shoots of the Japanese knotweed are edible as vegetables.

Category:

Herbs