You've probably got the same non-native, invasive species as I... Himalayan Blackberry. Below is a link to help you determine if it's your species. Please DO NOT use Round-up in wetland areas; it's can adversely affect certain aquatic animals especially amphibians. There are supposedly other glyphosate (the main active ingredient in Round-up) products that are relatively safe to use in these situations, but they would need to be used very carefully... Here's an additional link for safe glyphosate use: http://www.for-wild.org/download/roundupmyth.pdf Here is a link that might be useful: Himalayan Blackberry

Thanks, Logician. I think I may try to keep a couple of canes, but they want a LOT of reining in — they sucker like crazy. Two days ago, I was watering them an three 8-inch cottontails scrambled out! I love the rabbits and they let us get very close, However, they have been snacking on my heritage raspberries over the winter. I have to thin them, so it’s no big deal, but they are also nibbling on the hostas. Four adults and about 4 8” long kids. The rabbits usually get taken by hawks, bobcats and coyotes, but this year they are especially numerous. I love berries so much. The everbearing raspberries do well if I can fertilize, thin them and get them enough water. But then the catbirds! sigh. I may have to resort to netting even after I remove the beauty bush that the CBs nest in every year. Endless effort! ;-)

Thank you, iochroma — I do think I see a black outline on the darker blotches, which would agree with Eastern Milksnake. I’ve heard of Milksnakes before but thought they were very large, not skinny and long like this guy! floral, for all the snakes and neighborhood cats that hang around my house, you’d think I wouldn’t have any chipmunks in the yard or mice come into the house, but I do. I think they’re all lazy. lol!

Not likely. Can you tie the pods with a piece of old pantyhose, cheese cloth or a small mesh bag from the dollar store? That way they can mature without being bothered by whatever is deadheading them. They need to ripen to black as you stated.