Capturing invasive Japanese Knotweed in sculpture

Have you ever been attracted to something beautiful and dangerous? That was the case with the nineteenth-century gardeners who brought Japanese Knotweed to Europe and the United States. They were drawn in by the elegant shape of the large leaves and the graceful spray of white flowers. Plus this hardy plant grew easily. Too easily. That’s where the danger lay.

A sculpture to teach about invasive plants

I chose to knit a sculpture of Japanese Knotweed because it’s a great example of the impact of human decisions on the natural environment. This plant is one of the world’s most invasive species. Its bamboo-like stems grow up to nine feet tall and form dense thickets. The problem for the environment is that it chokes out native plants, destroying the natural habitat of many birds and animals. It destroys houses too, creeping into building foundations.

I captured the beauty of Japanese Knotweed with delicate lace knitting. The leaves are broad and vaguely heart shaped. Their size allows room to draw intricate vein lines with lace stitches.

To convey the dangerous character of the plant I placed a knitted hand stained with bright red yarn blood at the base of the sculpture. The plant’s stalks pierce the gardener’s hand. This is hardly an exaggeration, since Japanese Knotweed’s roots have been known to tunnel beneath highways and come up through masonry and asphalt.

Knotweed is so difficult to eradicate

In Vermont, I’ve seen Japanese Knotweed spread along many of the riverside paths where I bicycle. Tropical Storm Irene eroded riverbanks and spread the plant in August 2011 when it was blooming and forming seeds. Many bike paths are flanked by dense walls of knotweed. They look like an invading army, thousands strong, marching closer and closer.

The first step in eradicating invasive species is to identify the plants. Only then you can start to contain and control them. It may not be possible to fully eradicate this vicious plant, but it’s worth trying to slow its spread. In Britain it has caused immense destruction, as this article in Slate magazine explains.

The Slate reporter describes teams of volunteers who pulled up knotweed along the Bronx River in New York City. They tried to weaken it by cutting it back summer after summer before it flowers, and then applied herbicide. Organizations like the New York State Invasive Species Clearinghouse try to raise awareness and give guidance.

You can explore this and other knitted sculptures of plants in my website plant gallery here.