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Glite Dictionary
knotweed

knotweed

7.2
A fast-growing plant that can damage buildings and other plants
  • noun
  • /ˈnɑtˌwid/
  • Specialized
translation icon : maleza
  • The autumn hues of knotweed seem like cups of wine.
  • Japanese knotweed

The autumn hues of knotweed seem like cups of wine.

Examples

  • The gardener struggled to control the spread of knotweed as it quickly took over the flower beds.

  • Reveratrol can also be found in Japanese knotweed roots.

    Blog text (22)

  • The autumn hues of knotweed seem like cups of wine.

    Tim Ferriss

  • Others, including chicory, Japanese knotweed, and Norway maple, were brought in intentionally or unintentionally by people.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Last Son has been here and put in a shift to clear away the dreaded knotweed all along the creek (we will use it for beanpoles and kindling), so the sun (and our fingers) can get to the berries.

    Blog text (27)

  • Japanese knotweed is known for its rapid growth and ability to invade garden spaces.

  • Many people are surprised to learn that knotweed can be used in traditional medicine.

How Invasive

kudzu
  • US
8 8.8
knotweed
  • Specialized
7.2
invasive species
  • Specialized
7 4.4
ornamental
1 4.8
garden plant
1 1.0

Surface Forms

knotweed singular
knotweeds plural

Morphology

knotweed = knot + weed (semi-transparent) = knot + weed

The parts 'knot' and 'weed' are semantically clear (indicating a kind of weed), but the compound names a specific plant (often an invasive species) so the full meaning is more specific than the simple parts.

Etymology

The word knotweed comes from the parts knot and weed, so picture a wild plant with 'knots' in its stems and roots. Those tight, knot-like roots are very hard to pull out, which is why knotweed often spreads quickly and can damage gardens and buildings.