Watch Out For Ragwort and Japanese Knotweed
If you have animals, particularly horses or ponies, then you should be aware of the risks of ragwort. This dangerous weed is specially toxic to horses and ponies, and also other animals, and once this nuisance weed has become established, it can be extremely hard to get rid of. In truth, even just one ragwort plant can produce as many as 150,000 seeds, 60-80% of which will germinate if the seeds find appropriate soil. More importantly, you might not be aware that you have this problem weed growing on your land as the seeds are able to lie domant for as long as twenty years.
On more weed that is particularly dangerous is japanese knotweed, which can spread amazingly fast and has roots that are able to break through masonry. The strange, and ludicrous, thing about this dangerous weed, is that it can be eaten – apparently having a taste not unlike rhubarb. Still, it is a problematic weed that needs handling as an industrial waste, as just one small piece of the tuberous root can engender a whole new plant.
Knotweed also has other uses, for example, it is a great source of resveratrol, (a standard nutritional supplement, which is theorized to improve longevity), and an first-rate source of emodin (also commonly in use as a nutritional supplement to help regulate bowel movements).
If you spot one of these nasty weeds on your property, you should act quickly, and are well advised to consult experts in the field of weed control before the trouble becomes unmanageable.