The Subduing Knotweed Coalition is a community initiative focused on awareness, education, and solutions in New England and beyond.
Our goal is to unite local communities in coordinating informed management and advocacy efforts.

Danger of Knotweed

Knotweed is a particularly dangerous invasive species, with the ability to smother and out-compete all other plants in the environment. Along riverways and/or roadways, Knotweed forms dense stands of green, bamboo like plants that outcompete all other flora, leaving a monoculture that will destabilize streambanks, affecting local water quality. With reduced water quality, and elimination of native habitat or food sources, insect populations rapidly die down – and bring down the populations of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and all other aquatic and wetland dwellers, reducing biodiversity.  It also does not allow native trees to establish and provide carbon sinks in order to combat climate change.  

Knotweed also directly affects human activities, increasing flooding due to eroded stream banks, negatively impacting water quality, destroying recreational fishing and hiking – even growing through built infrastructure including, septic systems, house foundations, walls, sidewalk pavement, culverts and bridge foundations. Its dense stands can rapidly pose visibility challenges along roadways.

Knotweed Control 

Knotweed can be effectively targeted and controlled when it is first spotted. Early detection and reporting is crucial. Small populations can be dug up in their entirety, and when accompanied by systematic monitoring afterwards, can prevent a knotweed incursion entirely.  

The Subduing Knotweed Coalition is working to map knotweed and has established an early response team for digging out new/ smaller infestations.  The Coalition needs people to help with mapping, early detection and digging.  Checkout the website and click on the get involved button.