Erik on Kaatscast Podcast: The Nuance of Knotweed

September 2026 - “Invasive species” has become one of the most charged phrases in environmental discourse — but what if the term itself obscures more than it reveals? In this episode, Brett Barry sits down with Dr. Erik Kiviat, co‑founder of Hudsonia and a field biologist with decades of research on introduced plants, to explore the nuance behind weeds like knotweed, purple loosestrife, and common reed. As Kiviat notes, “There is a fear and hysteria of things that come from somewhere else….” His perspective reframes the conversation, showing how many “invasives” also provide habitat, pollinator resources, water‑quality benefits, and even medicinal compounds like resveratrol.

From the herbarium at Hudsonia's field station on the Bard College campus, Kiviat explains how human disturbance creates ideal conditions for these plants, why management must be site‑specific rather than fear‑driven, and how wildlife — from songbirds to pollinators — routinely use knotweed in ways that complicate the usual narrative. The episode offers a grounded, science‑based look at a topic often clouded by alarmism, reminding us that ecology is complex, adaptive, and rarely served by simple labels like “invasive.”

Kaatscast: the Catskills Podcast ℠ is a biweekly series featuring Catskills culture, history, sustainability, local interviews, literature, and the arts. Shows are hosted by Brett Barry and professionally produced by Silver Hollow Audio, in the heart of the Catskills. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts, to experience what reviewers have called “delightfully informative” storytelling with “great production quality.” Voted “Best Regional Podcast” 3 years in a row.

See also the recent publication: Bird nesting habitat in knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum s.l.) in North America and beyond