You don’t want these weed vines on your property
Many pesky weeds plague our gardens, but here is an overview of some of the worst and most common. Generally, these pest plants must be physically removed and their returning growth sprayed with 20% acetic herbicide. Stumps from larger vines can be killed by drilling holes and filling them with molasses or saltpeter (potassium nitrate).
Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), also known as Wild Morning Glory, is one of the twelve worst perennial weeds in the world. Control it by increasing the organic matter in the soil and removing all parts of the plant.
Carolina snail seeds (Cocculus carolinus) is a woody perennial vine with small white flowers and red berries. It looks like Greenbriar but has no thorns. Don’t let it begin as it is very invasive. Of all the vines on this list, it is possibly the most difficult to control.
Cat’s Claw Vine (Dolichandra unguis-cati) has three-pronged claw-like climbing appendages that cling to plants or surfaces. It has yellow flowers in sunny locations. Its underground tubers will have to be dug up to get rid of it.
The cucumber (Melothria pendula) is a fast-growing vine with edible fruits. Its green (unripe) fruits can be eaten raw. Its ripe seeds and fruits contain a powerful laxative, so avoid purple or black fruits and only eat the light green ones. It’s easy to control by dragging it.
Greenbrier is a climbing perennial that is a weed pest to most people. Control it by digging up the large woody underground tubers.(Howard Garrett / special article)
Greenbrier (Smilax spp.) Is a climbing perennial with black berries in autumn. It is a woody vine with strong, thorny stems made from large underground tubers. Its leaves are deciduous and sometimes spotted with white. New tender growth is delicious in salads, but is a weed pest to most people. Take control of it by digging up the large woody underground tubers.
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an evergreen aggressive climber with fragrant white and yellow flowers. It is sold but should be banned because it is too aggressive and invasive, and suffocates more desirable plants.
Ivy tree vine is a perennial vine with green to reddish stems that are often warty.(Howard Garrett / special article)
Ivy tree vine (Cissus trifoliata), also known as wood sorrel, is a perennial vine with green to reddish stems that are often warty. It climbs with tendrils and has greenish flowers. Its thick, fleshy leaves are dull green with small white hairs and it has glossy black fruits that are inedible.
The pepper vine (Ampelopsis arborea) is similar to the trumpet vine and is a close relative of the grape, but only a large weed. It has a woody stem, with greenish-white flowers in summer and berries in autumn. Its reddish new leaves turn dark green when ripe. Berries start out green, then turn white, red, and finally blue-black.
Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a deciduous vine that grows in the sun or shade and spreads easily underground. It has red berries and autumn color. Don’t let it bloom and produce seeds. Physically remove the plants and spray vinegar herbicides on new growth – or tie up some goats in the problem areas.
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a climbing deciduous vine with showy orange and red trumpet-like summer flowers. The mother plant and any hybrids spread widely and become severe pests, creating major maintenance problems. This vine is terribly invasive and difficult to get rid of.
For more photos and more details on all of these problem plants and the vines I recommend, check out Dirtdoctor.com’s library themes.
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