What is this vine? - Ask Extension
i have this vine growing abundantly and i would like to know what it is and how to get rid of it. What kind of chemical do i use?
Knowledgebase
What is this vine? #180797
Asked May 11, 2014, 8:55 PM EDT
i have this vine growing abundantly and i would like to know what it is and how to get rid of it. What kind of chemical do i use?
Harris County Texas
Expert Response
That vine is Smilax and goes by several common names
including “Catbrier”. It is difficult to control with herbicides since the
foliage is glossy, causing sprays to run off and not be absorbed. It also has
underground storage structure which are able to resprout readily.
The most effective option is to dig it up. This may be
tedious but over time is the best way to eradicate the plant. If the vines are
larger you can cut the vine and “paint” the surface with a product containing
triclopyr (Poison Ivy Killer) or glyphosate (Roundup), undiluted. With small,
stringy vines this is not practical.