Timothy Scott

In defense of knotweed

It has power antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Maybe Nature wants it to spread.

To be honest, I'm one of the world's biggest admirers of Japanese knotweed.

This plant has helped define and shape who I am and has provided me strength and healing, as well as motivated me to write a book, while it continues to provide me a source of income.

We are now seeing Japanese knotweed flourish in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, and the plant is gaining a further bad reputation for spreading throughout the flooded area, though I see it as a gift.

From a human-centered perspective, having this plant around is devastating. From my perspective, though, I see it as Nature doing what Nature does.

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