Whiney about Viney Weeds?

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Whiney about Viney Weeds?

Author:	Leslie Huffman - former Weed Management Specialist (Horticultural Crops)OMAFRA
Creation Date:	05 July 2007
Last Reviewed:	05 July 2007

It's that time of year - when viney weeds start creeping up and over anything they can get a hold on -trees, windbreaks, trellises, corn stalks and crops in general. To help identify which viney weed is climbing over your plants or trees, first look to see if the stem is woody or herbaceous (but be careful - it may be poisonous!)

If you have a woody vine, here are 3 likely candidates:

Weed

Plant habit

How to identify

Poison ivy

Perennial, woody vine
Spread by seed or rhizome
2 forms: ground-hugging or climbing
All parts poisonous
Noxious weed

"Leaves of three, let it be"
Stalk on middle leaf
Oak-like leaves with much variability, smooth margins
Dry, white fruit
Red leaves in fall

Virginia creeper
(5-leaf ivy)

Perennial, woody vine
Spread by seed
Climbing woody vine
Poisonous berries
Common garden plant

Usually five leaflets, but sometimes 3 or 4
Toothed margin
No leaf stalks
Soft, blue fruit
Red leaves in fall

Wild grape

Perennial, woody vine
Spread by seed (birds)

Single leaves, typical grape shape
Tendrils
Dark fruit in bunches

Control of these woody vines is a challenge, depending on where they are climbing. Cutting the vines at ground level and treating the fresh cut with glyphosate or 2,4-D + oil is a good start. Avoid contact with desirable plants.

Poison ivy

Virginia creeper (5-leaf ivy)

Wild grape

If the stems are herbaceous, here are 4 candidates:

Weed	Plant habit	How to identify
Field bindweed	Perennial, herbaceous vine Spread by seed or extensive roots Grows in patches Common in fields, lawns and roadsides	Small arrowhead-shaped leaves Extensive roots Trumpet flowers, 1" Bracts on flower stem, but not touching flower No sheath at node
Wild buckwheat	Annual, twining stem Grows over plants, trees, vines Spread by seed (birds) Large seed production Common in cultivated fields	Arrowhead-shaped leaves, larger than field bindweed; Sheath (ocrea) at node Taproot Small, green flowers
Hedge bindweed	Perennial Trailing or twining stems Spread by seeds or rhizomes Usually on field borders or natural areas	Extensive root system Arrowhead-shaped leaves, up to 6" long; Trumpet flowers up to 3" 2 large bracts at base of flowers
Ground ivy (creeping Charlie)	Perennial Spread by seed or creeping stems Thickly covers low plants Common in lawns (survives mowing) Problem in perennial crops	Square stem Opposite leaves Blue/purple flowers Mint-like odour Round leaves may be confused with mallow (which is not creeping)

Wild buckwheat is the only annual weed, easily identified by its small taproot and inconspicuous flowers. It can be controlled by cultivation and most soil-applied herbicides (unless it is germinating late).

Field and hedge bindweed are more difficult to control. A systemic herbicide like glyphosate can be used at the higher rates, and is most effective when weeds are in full flower and actively growing (which doesn't always happen in hot, dry summers). Repeat treatments over several years are required.

Ground ivy (creeping Charlie) can also be controlled with spot applications of the higher rates of systemic herbicides like glyphosate or amitrole. In turf, it is very difficult to control. Tank-mixes of 2,4-D/mecoprop/dicamba can be applied in early June or September and repeat treatments are required.

Field bindweed

Wild buckwheat

Hedge bindweed

Ground ivy (creeping Charlie)

For more information:
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