Japanese knotweed photo check
Photographs are assessed automatically and kept for up to 90 days unless attached to an enquiry. Please do not upload photographs of people. Privacy notice
What Japanese knotweed looks like
- Leaves: shield or spade-shaped with a flat base, roughly 10 to 15 cm long, one per node, alternating up the stem in a zig-zag.
- Stems: hollow, bamboo-like canes with clear nodes and reddish-purple speckles, usually around 2 to 3 m tall.
- Spring: red or purple shoots that can look like asparagus spears.
- Late summer: sprays of tiny creamy-white flowers.
- Winter: dead, brown hollow canes, often still standing.
Look-alikes include bindweed, Russian vine, Himalayan balsam and bamboo. Full identification guide.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the photo check?
It's an indicative check of one photo, so treat it as a first opinion. Knotweed changes a lot through the year, and cut, treated or young plants can be hard to judge. Only a survey by a specialist can confirm it.
What makes a good photo?
A clear, close photo in daylight showing the leaves and the stem together. In winter, photograph the dead canes, including a snapped or cut end if you can see one.
What do you do with my photo?
It's checked automatically and stored so you can attach it to an enquiry. If you don't send an enquiry, we delete it after 90 days. If you do, it's shared with the specialists you're matched with. See our privacy notice for details.
Sources
- Japanese knotweed identification sheet, GB Non-Native Species Secretariat
- Japanese knotweed, Royal Horticultural Society
- Public information on invasive species in Wales: Japanese knotweed, Welsh Government
- Japanese Knotweed: Guidance for Professional Valuers and Surveyors (December 2022), Property Care Association
Speak to an accredited specialist
Tell us about the property and up to three Property Care Association members in your area will be in touch.