Fallopia japonica; Japanese Knotweed

I discovered this Japanese Knotweed in Mersey Valley, around mid-October. The plant found to be growing on both sides of the river. Despite being somewhat visually attractive, there is no doubt this knotweed self-seeded given the general national reluctance to plant such an invasive plant. Japanese Knotweed has tolerance to a wide spectrum of site conditions, making it rare that shade or other environmental constraints would be able to limit the growth of this plant.

Given that Mersey Valley is un-maintained, bio-diverse and wild in nature; it would seem the knotweed has found a safe haven from human hostility. Unfortunately, it could be the case that even Mersey Valley may soon search ways to eradicate such an invasive plant. Observing the surroundings of the knotweed, we can see that other plants are struggling to grow in close proximity with it. Allowing the Fallopia japonica to continue growing could hold potential risk against the survival of other plants in Mersey Valley.