Keep An Eye Out For Ragwort and Japanese Knotweed
If you keep livestock, especially horses or ponies, then you should know about the risks of ragwort. This dangerous plant is especially poisonous to horses and ponies, as well as other livestock, and once this virulent weed has been spread and starts to grow, it can be extremely hard to eliminate. In fact, a single plant of ragwort is capable of producing as many as 150 thousand seeds, 60-80% of which will germinate if they reach fertile soil. Worryingly, you might not be aware that you have ragwort growing on your property because the seeds can lay dormant for as long as twenty years.
On more weed that is specially hazardous is japanese knotweed, which can spread surprisingly rapidly and has roots that are able to break through buildings and foundations. The crazy, and ironic, fact about this dangerous plant, is that it can be eaten – seemingly having a taste similar to rhubarb. All The Same, it is a hazardous plant that needs handling as an industrial waste, as even the smallest section of the tuberous root can grow into a whole new plant.
Knotweed also has other uses, for example, it is a good source of resveratrol, (a general nutritional supplement, which is speculated to increase lifespan), and an splendid source of emodin (also used as a nutritional supplement to help regulate bowel movements).
If you spot either of these weeds on your land, you need to react immediately, and probably need to confer with experts in the field of weed control before the trouble gets out of hand.