Plant for ID please

[Tangaroa]

I am sure its something very common and obvious - but could someone help me with this one? Thanks

[Dorts]

Lesser Knotweed - Persicaria campanulata. Now naturalised by streams and on damp ground.
Slowly increasing across the country, but not yet common.
Dorts.

[Tangaroa]

Hi Dorts,

Is this a problem species and is it worth controlling? It has just appeared this year apparently. From what I understand it is far less invasive than Japanese knotweed.

Thanks,

[Johnny81]

Well I have popped Persicaria campanulata into the non-native species secretariat and found nothing, so probably not an issue (as yet)! Well I hope not! I also read: This species is less widespread in the UK, though it is more common in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

[Dorts]

Here's a distribution map for this species. I don't think it can yet be considered a 'problem plant', yet!

BSBI Maps Scheme: Hectad Map Lesser Knotweed

Dorts.

[Tangaroa]

Maybe a potential invasive - it might be worth nipping it in the bud now as it only occupies a small area....