What problems can buddleia davidii cause?
On average, buddleia grows to around 2.5m to 3m tall and has a width of between 1.5m to 3m. If left uncontrolled, it can dominate a site, and outcompete other species.
Buddleia is responsible for huge amounts of structural damage and in 2010, £961,000 of the UK economy was estimated to be spent on reparations from buddleia damage. Seeds can grow in the smallest of cracks, without access to soil, and in dry to damp conditions.
It is particularly damaging to the railway network, as it hinders maintenance and damages infrastructure. It weakens bridges, interferes with overhead powerlines and obscures signals.
- What is the extent of damage?
Once buddleia begins to grow, its root systems can weaken any materials. It can be damaging to neighbouring land and can even penetrate through solid barriers, such as patios and conservatory floors.
It is difficult to contain and is known to push through brickwork, masonry, drains, cavity walls, and exploit cracks or weaknesses. This means buddleia has the potential to cause costly repair bills or even render a property unsafe or uninhabitable.
