What is this weedy vine?... - Ask Extension
What is this weedy vine?
Knowledgebase
What is this weedy vine?... #136003
Asked June 22, 2013, 8:40 AM EDT
What is this weedy vine?
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
The weedy vine in your photo appears to have orange roots. If that is the case, your plant is Oriental bittersweet. Oriental bittersweet is a vigorously growing vine that climbs over and smothers vegetation which may die from excessive shading or breakage. When bittersweet climbs high up on trees the increased weight can lead to uprooting and blow-over during high winds and heavy snowfalls. Bittersweet can be difficult to control. Cutting or pulling alone does not work because cutting stimulates the vine to re-sprout ten-fold and any broken off piece of root will re-grow. In the home landscape it is probably best to cut the vines back to the ground and immediately treat the cut stem with a triclopyr-based herbicide, such as Brush B Gone or Poison Ivy Killer. LW
perhaps my response wasn't posted....
here it is again. This vine doesn't have orange berries ever. It is taking over a hillside and I've cleared about half of it today. Here are some more photos.
here it is again. This vine doesn't have orange berries ever. It is taking over a hillside and I've cleared about half of it today. Here are some more photos.
Thank you for the additional photos. They further confirm the vine as being Oriental Bittersweet. Although we did not mention berries in our original response, when mature, the vine produces berries that are somewhat orange. The orange roots are an identifying characteristics of Oriental Bittersweet. The plant's behavior as you describe it, further confirms its identity.
LS
LS