LINCOLN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
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INVASIVE KNOTWEEDS

INVASIVE Knotweed Detection and Control

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Asian knotweeds are highly invasive plants found in riparian areas throughout the Pacific Northwest. These species pose a serious threat to our rivers, riparian forest and floodplain areas. ODA classifies all four of these knotweed species as Class B noxious weeds, this means they high priority for containing their current populations and preventing their spread. Japanese knotweed is internationally recognized as one of the World's 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species by the Invasive Species Specialist Group, an international network of scientific and policy experts that work under the the umbrella of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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Japanese Knotweed
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Giant Knotweed
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Bohemian Knotweed
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Himalayan Knotweed

What is knotweed? 
Knotweeds are shrubby herbaceous perennial plants native to Asia that were brought to the U.S. in the late 1800's as garden ornamentals. They have disbursed in watersheds throughout the country due to their ability to readily spread vegetatively and by seed. Knotweed plant tissue and seeds often contaminate fill material used in construction projects, which facilitates their spread in to new riparian corridors. Other common names for knotweed include Mexican or Japanese bamboo, elephant ear, godzilla weed, and fleece flower.

Why is knotweed a problem? 
Knotweed rapidly spreads by seed disbursal and from the spread of broken pieces of plant tissue. Knotweeds rapidly grow, averaging 2-4 feet a month, in late spring through the summer. Native vegetation is rapidly displaced by uncontrolled knotweed populations in riparian corridors, which increase bank erosion. Uncontrolled knotweed populations also prevent the natural establishment of native trees and shrubs, which is critical for maintaining the watershed structure and regulating the water temperatures necessary for fish and wildlife habitat.  Due their expansive, large patches are very difficult to eradicate (even with herbicides!). 

In river habitat and flood plains it completely displaces native vegetation increasing soil erosion potential due to its lack of above ground material during winter storm and high water events. 

How does it spread? 
Generally, knotweeds spread when root or stem fragments are moved during flood events or by the transportation of contaminated soil during construction projects. A fragment of knotweed as small as 10 grams in weight (1/3 of an ounce) is a sufficient amount of plant matter to take root and develop into a new plant. Disturbances, such as uprooting and cutting, promote rhizome growth in knotweeds. So, it is absolutely critical that any cutting or transport of knotweed be done by a natural resources professional. During professional control of knotweed, any excess plant material should be bagged and disposed of at a landfill. 

Controlling Knotweeds 
Knotweed infestations take several years of treatment to control and the most effective method of treatment is repeated herbicide application. Contacting a natural resource professional as early as possible is integral to knotweed control. If you see knotweed contact the Oregon Invasives Hotline as well as Lincoln SWCD by phone at 541.265.2653 or email.

Click the link below for an in-depth summary of current knotweed control practices:
Knotweed Control Methods

Known Knotweed Distributions in Lincoln County

Salmon River Watershed

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Yaquina River Watershed

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Lower Siletz Watershed

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Alsea River Watershed

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Yachats River Watershed

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Our Services

Water Quality Program
Watershed Restoration & Enhancement
Invasive Species Control
Water Quality Monitoring
Fish Surveying & Habitat Assessment


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District Board of Directors
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About Lincoln SWCD

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Contact Us
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Physical Address:
411 NE Avery St, Suite B

Newport, Oregon 97365


Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 742 

South Beach, OR  97366

Phone: (541) 265-2631​
Email: info@lincolnswcd.org

Office Hours: M-F 8:00 - 4:00*

​*Unless in the field. Please contact us to make an appointment. 

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission and Values
    • District Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • History
    • Annual Reports
    • Partners
    • Employment
  • Get Involved
  • Events
  • Siletz Focus Area
  • Resources
  • District Programs
  • Contact Us