Help identifying Invasive vine - Ask Extension
Desperate to find out what this invasive plant is growing on the back of my property in Southern Ohio. It shoots stems out across the ground until it ...
Knowledgebase
Help identifying Invasive vine #872608
Asked June 11, 2024, 12:27 PM EDT
Desperate to find out what this invasive plant is growing on the back of my property in Southern Ohio. It shoots stems out across the ground until it finds something to latch on to and the woody vines twist up trees and grow a couple inches in diameter around the tree branches. We have it seen it flower, or bear any type of fruit or nut. It is literally choking the life out of some trees and we need to get it under control before it destroys the trees and vegetation on our property. There are so many different species of plants that resemble it, but I haven’t found the exact match. Desperately need help to stop this invasive plant. Thanks in advance!!
Lawrence County Ohio
Expert Response
It is definitely "exuberant". The leaves look a lot like those of a trumpet vine. Have you observed this plant year round? My trumpet vines (northern OH) aren't blooming yet. While trumpet vine is a native, it is aggressive and spreads readily. It may not flower well in the shade, and that might be why you haven't seen the flowers and distinctive seed pods. The link below has some good pictures of the trumpet vine. There are cultivars of the native variety, which might explain some of the variation in the leaves.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/campsis-radicans/common-name/trumpet-vine/
Assuming this is indeed a trumpet vine (also known as "cow itch" and "hummingbird vine") it will spread as you have noted, under and above ground. Mowing will keep it contained, but herbicide will probably be needed to get good control. Herbicide comes with its own precautions and should be used carefully and strictly according to label instructions. The link below is a discussion about control of trumpet vine.
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=842336
Compare the leaves of your plant to those of the trumpet vines in the links I sent you and see what you think. If it flowered last year, there may still be some large cigar-shaped pods hanging from the foliage. If it's not what I think it is, reply and we'll regroup. Thanks for asking Extension.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/campsis-radicans/common-name/trumpet-vine/
Assuming this is indeed a trumpet vine (also known as "cow itch" and "hummingbird vine") it will spread as you have noted, under and above ground. Mowing will keep it contained, but herbicide will probably be needed to get good control. Herbicide comes with its own precautions and should be used carefully and strictly according to label instructions. The link below is a discussion about control of trumpet vine.
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=842336
Compare the leaves of your plant to those of the trumpet vines in the links I sent you and see what you think. If it flowered last year, there may still be some large cigar-shaped pods hanging from the foliage. If it's not what I think it is, reply and we'll regroup. Thanks for asking Extension.
Thank you for the quick response and for being so thorough. We do have a blooming trumpet vine around our home. I have not observed blooms on the vine growing other places on the property, but that may just be my timing. Once I notice blooms on the vine around our home, I will be sure to check the other areas of the property.
I will keep you posted, as I really really appreciate your input!
Thank you!
Sincerely, Kim
You're very welcome. I have trumpet vibe too, and it is a challenge to control it.
Hi Lynn, the trumpet vine in my driveway has bloomed. The vines on the back of our property don’t have any blooms. As a matter of fact, it’s really taking off, with lots and lots of new growth creeping across the ground. I imagine the best thing to do will be to cut it back and use an herbicide like you previously recommended. I could send more pics if you would like to take another look at it. Thanks again for all your help!
Sincerely,
Kim
Younger and more shaded plants may not bloom on the same schedule as more mature plants in a sunnier location.
Unfortunately, I am unable to access a real computer until next Tuesday, but if you get some additional pictures of the vine, including some good closeups of the more mature leaves and their stem, I will try to get a better ID.
In the meantime, your plan of cutting the plant near it's base (which may take some whacking), and painting the cut end of the stump with a herbicide is a good one no matter what it is. Please read and fol!ow label directions carefully and wear the recommended protective gear.
Unfortunately, I am unable to access a real computer until next Tuesday, but if you get some additional pictures of the vine, including some good closeups of the more mature leaves and their stem, I will try to get a better ID.
In the meantime, your plan of cutting the plant near it's base (which may take some whacking), and painting the cut end of the stump with a herbicide is a good one no matter what it is. Please read and fol!ow label directions carefully and wear the recommended protective gear.
