Types of Weedy Vines

Cultivated Vines

• Many vines make fine landscaping plants when given proper care, but quickly overtake the garden if neglected. These plants grow quickly and may produce suckers. They may out-compete other plants or cover windows, doors and structures. Fast-growing vines frequently used in landscapes include bittersweet, Boston ivy, silver fleece and trumpet-vine. Prune these plants back severely in spring to control their growth and keep them in-bounds.

Invasive Vines

• Invasive vines are usually non-native, and may have been introduced for their value as landscape plants. When the vines escape into the wild, they proliferate quickly, out-competing native species. Vines--such as kudzu, Asiatic bittersweet and English ivy--crawl over shrubs and trees, smothering them. The result is a reduction in the diversity of plant life in natural settings, which may leave fewer food sources for wildlife.

Method of Growth

• Weedy vines vary in their method of growth. Some vines--such as trumpet-vine and silver fleece--grow rapidly and are considered weedy because they quickly get out of control without frequent pruning. Other vines--such as English ivy and bittersweet--grow quickly, but also produce berries. Birds eat these berries and disperse the seeds everywhere. These plants are weedy because they appear in unwanted locations.

Recommendations

• Don't plant vines--such as kudzu and Asiatic bittersweet--that are known to be invasive. In some areas, the sale and planting of invasive vines is prohibited. Plant your landscaping vines judiciously, and avoid planting them near a natural area if they have a tendency to escape. Be especially careful if you live in an area with mild, moist weather conditions, where vines are more likely to grow out of control.