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Name That Plant!

Waxy leaved thorny vine type plant in my garden

14 years ago

I have a plant growing in my garden that I thought was a dying/dead rose bush when I first moved in. It was only a few inches tall and had thorns on it. I brought it back to life after killing off the grub population and surprise surprise it's not a rose bush! I've asked everyone I know and no one has a clue what it is. Everyone's seen it before and I've been told by 1 person it's a weed and another that it's an actual plant. After days of searching online and googling every thing I could think of to try to find an image similar to this plant I've finally turned to others for their insight. If anyone can help me "name this plant" I would greatly appreciate it!

Image link:

Comments (5)

Iris GW
14 years ago
Smilax is the name of this plant. A native vine, it is considered weedy and undesirable by many.
jeannettemae77
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you very much! Now I just have to decide if I want to leave it or pull it & create a rather good side bare spot :)
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
14 years ago
Don't leave it!
jeannettemae77
Original Author
14 years ago
Yeah after I got to reading about it I don't think I will. From the sounds of it, this thing can get out of control really quickly and can have a root system that runs 10ft plus. So I think it'll get yanked out as soon as the rain stops here.

Sad part - It was almost dead when I moved in and it looked like a rose bush. So inadvertently I brought back to life a rather notorious vining weed! :)
longstreet514_gmail_com
12 years ago
I know this is two years too late, but ELIMINATE this weed!!! I found it in my shelterbelt this Spring and it is prolific! I've tried roundup, Trimec, even Tordon, to no avail. Chain sawing it at ground level just brings it back in spades! This winter I shall try burning them out. Pray for me!

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