Binomial Name: Fallopia japonica

Summary:

Japanese knotweed is a herbaceous perennial, with tall with bamboo like stems. It can grow up to 3 meters tall, with white flowers towards the end of summer. It is able to outcompete native species and cause large amounts of damage to built structures. It can be costly to remove due to legislation concerning its removal.

Binomial Name: Impatiens glandulifera

Summary:

Himalayan balsam is an annual herb that grows up to 2 meters tall with a white or pink flower emerging in late summer. It is usually found along river banks and in damp habitats. It is able to out-compete native river bank species. Being an annual, it dies back at the end of the summer and leaves large areas of bare soil which can become more susceptible to erosion.

Binomial Name: Heracleum mantegazzianum

Summary:

Giant hogweed is a perennial herb, growing up to 5 meters tall with a white umbel flower head emerging in late summer. Contact with this plants sap can result in severe burning and blistering of the skin after exposure to sunlight. The plant grows readily in publicly accessible open spaces which increases the issues of public exposure to this plant. Giant hogweed is also able to outcompete native species and create monocultures in areas of suitable habitat.