Homeowners and buyers are being warned not to rely on Artificial Intelligence to identify invasive plants after new research found a popular AI tool misidentified Japanese knotweed in 7% of cases.
The analysis, carried out by invasive plant specialist Environet, tested 100 images of Japanese knotweed taken at different times of year and in varying conditions.
When the images were uploaded to ChatGPT, the plant was correctly identified in 93 cases. In seven instances, however, it was mistaken for other species including cherry laurel, spiraea, rose, dock, Virginia creeper and peony.
The findings raise concerns for property transactions, where sellers are legally required to declare the presence of Japanese knotweed on the Law Society’s TA6 form. Failure to disclose can result in collapsed sales or legal action after completion.
NOT RELIABLE
The warning comes as the plant approaches its spring growing season, with early red shoots expected to emerge in warmer and sheltered parts of the UK from late February or early March.
Emily Grant, Director of Environet, says: “AI tools can be a useful starting point, but they are far from 100% reliable when it comes to identifying invasive plants like Japanese knotweed.
“Our analysis showed AI is competent at recognising knotweed when it presents typically, but it becomes confused when it presents atypically, which is common after it’s been chemically treated or repeatedly cut back.
“It’s always best to have a plant checked by a qualified specialist who can confirm what it is and advise on the appropriate next steps. Early and accurate identification is critical to keeping treatment costs down and avoiding legal complications further down the line.”
ID CHECK
Separate analysis of photos submitted to Environet during 2025 found members of the public correctly identified Japanese knotweed in just 24% of cases.
Bindweed was the species most commonly mistaken for knotweed, accounting for 23% of submissions. Other plants frequently confused with knotweed include dogwood, ivy, Himalayan balsam, bramble, lilac and dock.
Left untreated, Japanese knotweed can grow by up to 10cm per day in early summer, spreading underground and pushing through patios, paths and driveways.
It can also encroach onto neighbouring land, increasing the risk of costly disputes between property owners.
