AN interactive map has revealed the hotspots in Gloucestershire where Japanese knotweed, one of the UK's most invasive plants, can be found.

The invasive plant species is responsible for damaging homes, pavements and drains and can spread up to seven metres horizontally.

Summer is usually a prime time for the plant to spread so invasive plant specialist Environet UK has revealed the knotweed hotspots using data from its online map.

There are currently almost 58,000 known occurrences across the UK as of the time of writing, which can be seen on the interactive map here.

The most prominent spot for Japanese Knotweed in Gloucestershire this year is the village of Blakeney near Lydney with 43 infestations. 

Meanwhile Cirencester has had 28 infestations, Cheltenham 24, Gloucester 19 and Wotton-under-Edge 17. 

There is one occurrence of Japanese knotweed in every 10km² in Gloucestershire with a total of 191 known infestations across the county. 

Gazette Series: The map reveals the hotspots in the county where Japanese knotweed can be found - according to experts Cirencester and Wotton are the most prominent areas The map reveals the hotspots in the county where Japanese knotweed can be found - according to experts Cirencester and Wotton are the most prominent areas (Image: Environet)

Japanese knotweed usually emerges in March or April and grows rapidly to reach up to 2.5 metres in height by mid-summer. 

It is identifiable by its hard, bamboo-like canes and distinctive shield-shaped bright green leaves which grow in a zigzag pattern along the stem. 

Mature plants flower in August, becoming covered in clusters of delicate tasselled creamy-white flowers. 

Knotweed does not produce viable seeds as all the plants in the UK are female, so it is usually spread accidentally through the movement of soil or gardening waste, or via rivers and streams when pieces of rhizome break off and take hold in new locations. 

Gazette Series: Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed (Image: Environet)

The first step to tackling the plant is to commission a professional Japanese Knotweed survey and find out the extent of the infestation.

They will be able to tell you where it originated, and the best way to tackle it.

Professional treatment should then be organised, which usually involves the use of herbicide for the excavation of the infestation.