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Eliminating invasive and noxious weeds near a lake #714354
Asked August 17, 2020, 1:30 PM EDT
Ionia County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Bristly greenbrier (Smilax tamnoides) is the prickly vine that you have in your area. I’m attaching an article from Clemson University about the weed and how to control it. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/smilax-greenbrier/
The article suggests control by glyphosate. Read about the use of glyphosate by water to assess it’s effectiveness and affect on wildlife. https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/factsheets/GlyphosateFactsheet.pdf
It refers to glyphosate only. Many new products that are sold are not pure glyphosate but a combination of chemicals which may have detrimental effects on other vegetation nearby.
Bristly greenbrier can be killed by spraying with a solution of vinegar but may take several applications. Vinegar will also kill other vegetation that it comes into contact with. Bristly greenbrier can also be removed by hand, wearing a pair of sturdy gloves.
I hope this helps you with your weed.
Thank you for contacting Ask an Expert.