07/16/2026
🌿 Japanese Knotw**d is now officially on Iowa's Noxious W**d List!
As of July 1, Japanese knotw**d has been added to Iowa's noxious w**d list. We are still waiting for the State to determine whether it will be classified as a Class A or Class B noxious w**d. Class A noxious w**ds are targeted for eradication, while Class B noxious w**ds are managed through control to limit their spread and impacts.
Often mistaken for bamboo because of its hollow, jointed stems, Japanese knotw**d is an extremely invasive plant. It spreads aggressively, forms dense stands that crowd out native vegetation, and is notoriously difficult to control once established. Its extensive root system can exploit cracks in pavement and concrete, causing damage to sidewalks, driveways, retaining walls, and even building foundations over time.
Bremer County has been actively controlling Japanese knotw**d along county road rights-of-way for the past 10 years, and we've made significant progress. Now we need your help. Controlling infestations on private property is critical to reducing the threat this invasive plant poses to our roads, bridges, drainage infrastructure, waterways, homes, and agricultural land.
If you think you have Japanese knotw**d on your property, please let us know. We would be happy to help identify it and work with you to develop a plan for its control or removal. Early detection and prompt treatment are the best ways to stop its spread.
Thank you for helping protect Bremer County's roadsides, infrastructure, and natural resources!
