Fleeceflower
Reynoutria japonica Houtt.
Reynoutria japonica, a perennial herb in the Polygonaceae family, is native to East Asia and has spread to regions in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. It is also known by the common name Fleeceflower and is recognized as an invasive species in several countries. The plant is valued by beekeepers and its young stems are edible, with a flavor likened to lemony rhubarb.
Description
Reynoutria japonica, described by Houtt. in 1777, is a member of the knotweed and buckwheat family, Polygonaceae. It is native to Japan, China, and Korea. The species has naturalized in various habitats across Europe and North America, where it is often considered a pest. The plant is known for its edible young stems and is used in foraging. A specimen collected by Thunberg, representing the original material, is preserved in the G-PREL herbarium and designated as the lectotype.
Other common names
FleeceflowerJapanese KnotweedMexican BambooMexican-Bamboo
Distribution
Portugal Continental · RU · HR · Belgium · Brussels-Capital Region · Flemish Region · Walloon Region · IT · NO · DK · HU · UA · BA · SE · Vermont-US · RO · PL · RS · DE · ME · ES · LU · NZ · LV · GE · FR · TW · LT · Alabama · Alaska
Synonyms
Reynoutria hachidyoensisReynoutria hachijoensisReynoutria henryiReynoutria hastataReynoutria uzenensisTiniaria japonicaPleuropterus zuccariniiPleuropterus cuspidatusPolygonum reynoutriaPolygonum zuccariniiPolygonum cuspidatumPolygonum compactumPolygonum hachidyoenseFallopia japonica f. coloransPolygonum reynoutria f. coloransFallopia japonicaFallopia japonica var. compactaFallopia japonica var. hachidyoensisFallopia japonica var. uzenensisPolygonum cuspidatum var. spectabileReynoutria japonica var. compactaReynoutria japonica var. spectabilisPolygonum sieboldiiReynoutria japonica var. hastataFallopia compactaReynoutria compactaReynoutria hachidyoensis var. terminalisReynoutria japonica var. terminalisReynoutria japonica var. uzenensisFallopia japonica var. compacta
