Japanese Knotweed is one of the worst plants British homeowners can find in their garden.
Not only does it damage your property, but it can impact your stress and financial situation.
This article has a broader view of Japanese Knotweed damage to humans.
Does Japanese knotweed damage humans directly?
No, Japanese Knotweed is not damaging to humans. While it causes property damage, humans can touch it without harm.
There are anecdotal reports that people experienced irritated skin after touching Japanese Knotweed. But these have not been proven. And most experts deny this.
Can I touch Japanese knotweed?
Yes, you can touch Japanese knotweed. It is not poisonous or harmful in any way.
Many people around the world touch Japanese knotweed. This is mainly because it can be eaten and is popular in Japan.
It can be cooked or raw, sweet or savoury. Some people say that it has a similar taste to rhubarb.
Are the fumes from Japanese knotweed harmful?
Not generally. You can have Japanese Knotweed in your home or vicinity without it damaging you by breathing it in. It’s only the property structure that it damages.
Burning Japanese knotweed can release harmful chemicals and toxins.
It is not recommended that you do this. Instead, please speak to a qualified professional who will dispose of it correctly.
What indirect damage does Japanese knotweed cause to humans?
The damage caused by Japanese knotweed does not happen directly to humans.
Unlike many other house pests, you can touch it and be around it without any harm.
Instead, it causes damage to your property.
It negatively affects the structure by exploiting gaps and weaknesses. This can make your property unstable over time, leading it becoming derelict or even condemned.
It will also devalue your house a lot. You can still sell a home in bad condition, but it won’t sell for anywhere near as much when there’s Japanese knotweed. It costs money to pay an expert to remove it.
Japanese knotweed may damage other native plant species nearby, by shading them out or displacing them. It can also disrupt habitats for animals.
It’s also worth noting that there are several plant that are frequently mistaken for Japanese knotweed, but they are not dangerous.
Which UK plants are dangerous to humans?
There are several plants found in the UK that can be dangerous to humans, these include:
- Deadly nightshade (atropa belladonna) is toxic. If you ingest it, it can be damaging
- Poison hemlock (conium maculatum) is toxic. It can cause breathing difficulties and sometimes death
- Foxglove (digitalis purpurea) can cause heart problems
- Monkshood/Wolfsbane (aconitum napellus) can cause stomach pain and dizziness.
