BRITAINS Japanese Knotweed hot spots have been revealed in a handy map showing where the invasive plant is growing the most.

Knotweedwas introduced from Japan as an ornamental plant in 1825 but it canundermine the foundations of houses.

The weed can root deep in the ground, spoil gardens and can also undermine walls and foundations which could makeselling your houseimpossible.

Manymortgagefirms refuse to lend money on a home that has knotweed nearby, and most insurers deny pay-outs for damage caused by it.

NowInvasive plantspecialists Environet UK have released a heatmap thatyou can use to see if your property is in a high-risk area.

Hotspots are marked from yellow to red depending of the severity of the infestation.

It shows London, Merseyside and Lancashire, Bristol, most of Wales and Glasgow as the danger zones.

It allows people to search by postcode to discover the number of reported sightings nearby or to report any new sightings.

For example, in Tottenham, North London, there are 232 reported infestations within a 4km area.

The plant can grow four inches a day in summer, and its roots or rhizomes spread far underground causing structural damage to buildings.

I had two sets of twins but wanted another baby - I was so stunned at my scan

People are just realising what the GR & other symbols on postboxes mean

My neighbours son wants to play with my toddler, I said no now life is hell

We were sick of renting so bought a mobile home for 4K & live mortgage free

If it is found growing within 23 feet of a property it poses a risk, so mortgages are often refused unless there is a plan in place to eradicate it.

But even if the seller carries out the expensive work, the stigma associated with the plant means that property values can be a tenth less, even after action is taken to control it.

The plant has distinctive red or purple shoots that resemble asparagus.

Its leaves are smooth, green and shovel shaped, with stems that look like bamboo canes with purple speckles.

Towards the end of summer, it develops clusters of cream-coloured flowers.

As winter approaches, its leaves will turn yellow and wilt.

Japanese knotweed hot spots revealed - how to find out if its growing near you

I had two sets of twins but wanted another baby - I was so stunned at my scan

People are just realising what the GR & other symbols on postboxes mean

My neighbours son wants to play with my toddler, I said no now life is hell

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