Is this Japanese Knotweed?

gareth.rowlands3

It's in a friend's back garden - 2 miles from me, I was a bit concerned when I saw it last week. But at this time of year, difficult to know. He lives with an enclosed garden away from rivers and water and railways, in the suburbs.

Silver surfer

100%..definitely not Japanese knotweed.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/3638576/identification-final.pdf

Your friend has a very healthy shrub...maybe Spiraea sp.
Wait for flowers in the spring!

Obelixx

I agree.  It's woody and, at this time of year, JKN and its relatives in the persicaria family are just teeny, furled leaf shoots poking thru the ground.

AnniD

Rest assured,  no need for panic - it's not Japanese Knotweed . As Silver Surfer says, possibly Spirea. 

Jefferey Nevil

I had a similar issue a while back, I actually sent a picture of the Japanese knotweed to the following below and they responded quite quickly to confirm my initial thoughts. I further researched it to see what the plant would look like at different times of the year so I could keep a look out. Thought I would share some of the websites I used if you are ever doubtful again:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynoutria_japonica#United_Kingdom
• https://www.phlorum.com/services/japanese-knotweed/domestic-knotweed-removal/knotweed-identification/
• https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/homes-gardens/garden-blog/removing-japanese-knotweed-is-not-an-easy-process/