Help a complete novice!...

Please can you help ID these three saplings/weeds...

 

Oops and this

 

The other, I'm afraid is Japanese knotweed !!

 

The first one looks like somwehat like houttuynia cordata, which I've got frowing in my garden.

They are quite an attract plant and somewhat reminiscent of some flame nettle varieties.

If it is japanese knotweed, the stems would generally be thicker and look like apsaragus for a while until their leaves unfold, but I wouldn't rule it out if it's a new infestation.

@HolaWeenie - please post pics of your first plant's development for a more accurate diagnosis. Whatever you do, don't be tempted to ho it down.

 

Unfortunately this does look like Japanese knotweed to me.

Don't panic though, I would suggest you send this image and a few others to a knotweed specialist. At this stage it shouldn't cost you anything to have this inspected. Do not agree to a site visit just yet - simply send the images.

I have experienced this panic in the past and at the time I was totally unaware of the severe consequences ignoring it can have both legal and financial.

Where are you based my I ask? Japanese contractors are very accessible but can be well over priced - have a look at this website, there is plenty of extra information if you need to do a bit more reading before having a free assessment. But please do, I wouldn't want you to find yourself in a situation you can't control. - http://www.phlorum.com/services/japanese-knotweed/commercial-japanese-knotweed-removal/

 

Jeffnev, I somehow feel the company you mention just deal with commercial sites.
I cannot see them coming out to a private house for a small bit of Japanese knotweed.

HolaWeenie..
Don't panic....You can get rid of it easily...
It is important to remember with this horrid weed is not to cut it up or try to dig it up.
Any tiny piece left behind will grow.
Do not put it on the compost heap or council re cycling.
Just a dab /spray of Round Up will kill it.

Do not use chemical any stronger than instructions advise.

The poison is taken down to the roots.
It will not kill it immediately.
Be patient.
If it regrows repeat application.

I speak from experience. We got rid of a small area with ease in our last garden.

http://www.aphotoflora.com/images/p...knotweed_leaf_shoot_emerging_red_15-03-09.jpg

 

I think there are legal consequences if it is Japanese knotweed and you want to sell your house, or it invades the neighbours.

 

Yes there are.
Mortgage companies will not give a mortgage if they find out that Japanese knotweed is there.

Left untreated it will spread.
It can come up through tarmac, concrete and even creep inside houses.
Which is why it is important to eradicate it as soon as you see it.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=j...AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=japanese+knotweed+invasive

 

Hi Silver Surfer, I see what you mean perhaps that wasn't the most useful page - they do offer services for domestic properties. Perhaps this page is more useful: http://www.phlorum.com/services/japanese-knotweed/domestic-knotweed-removal/

But really the main reason for sending the website was thanks to it's huge amount of onsite information.

 

It would be great if @HolaWeenie would show some new pics or an update on whether it is or isn't the dreaded JapWeed.