is this Japanese Knotweed

airlocker

Hi all

We're in the process of exchanging the contract for a terraced house and it's all looking good, except neighbours garden looks very untidy. I suspect the house has been empty for a while, as there are no signs of anyone living there.

We are concerned with the weed that we spotted in their garden. Do you know if this is the famous japanese knotweed or anything serious?

forum doesn't allow me to post links just replace xttp with http below

xttp://i50.tinypic.com/2jcc45i.png

poppysarah

No it's a buddleah

A rampant plant (considered a weed by some) that flowers beautifully and the butterflies love it.

outlooker

doesnt look like it as your "weeds" leaf length is much longer than knotweed

google pictures of knotweed and you will see what I mean.

if in doubt though get an expert to check

hope that helps

airlocker

great thank you!

tbs624

It's defintely buddleia davidii in the OP's picture. Seeds itself easily - you'll often see huges shrubs growing alongside railway tracks. As poppy sarah says, good for wildlife but the downside is it can cause structural damage

See http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/Japanese_Knotweed.pdf