Benefits of Polygonum Cuspidatum

Polygonum cuspidatum, commonly known as Japanese knotweed, originated in eastern Asia. In North America, an invasive species, the plant grows wild in waste areas of the northeastern United States and southern Canada. The new shoots appear as fat and rounded offshoots of the rhizome, which turn from green to bright red. When mature, the plant produces a thick, jointed stalk with triangular pointed leaves. Polygonum cuspidatum is edible and useful for several medicinal purposes.

Food

• New shoots of Japanese knotweed are edible. When the new shoots reach 6 to 8 inches tall in the spring, harvesters cut them from the base with a sharp knife and simmer with water. The shoots taste much like rhubarb and people eat them in a similar fashion. The mature stems can be eaten when cooked thoroughly, but the tough outer skin must be removed.

Medicine

• Japanese knotweed extract is an antipyretic and analgesic. Resveratrol, a compound found in the plant extract, has antimicrobial, antioxidant and antimutagenic properties. The latter property in particular aids in tumor and cancer therapy. Moreover, an external application of the plant treats cuts, burns and abscesses.

Ground Cover

• Polygonum cuspidatum serves as an effective cover crop because it grows easily and quickly. According to Plants for the Future, the plant will snuff any other weeds. Additionally, Columbia University's Introduced Species Summary Project notes that Japanese knotweed aids in erosion control through its effective ground cover.