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The OUCH weed...what is it and how do I treat it?

8 years ago

I've read almost all the 'weed identification' threads here but haven't seen a pic that looks the like weed I'm trying to identify. I live in the Boston area and this week turned up a few years ago out of the blue (it seems). It has strong, fast spreading roots and can pop up prickly greenery many feet from the main plant. First year the main plan got as high as 7 feet. It's core is dry and tough. It's protected all along itself with super sharp prickly bits. I have noticed all sorts of other weeds popping up in the area around it and the bushes I have are nearby are struggling...may or may not be related. Does anyone recognize this? (the weed next to the root on the table is 'the other weed' that has popped up everywhere near the prickly weed)

Featured Answer

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL

8 years ago

That's not a berry vine or Lonicera, at least the ones I've seen. Looks wicked! If you don't get an ID here, try also in "name that plant" section.

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Comments (12)

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years ago
I think you may have more than 2 plants pictured here. Some of the pics look like berry vine. The woody plant looks like a weedy Lonicera. The top left pic looks like a 3rd plant.
lisadimatteo thanked Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
kimmq
8 years ago
Take samples, in sealed plastic bags, to your local office of your University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension Service for identification.

http://ag.umass.edu/extensionoutreach/umass-extension-in-your-community/extension-in-southeastern-Massachusetts

kimmq is kimmsr
lisadimatteo thanked kimmq
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callirhoe123
8 years ago
Can you show a picture of the thorns?
lisadimatteo thanked callirhoe123
lisadimatteo
Original Author
8 years ago

I can get better pics if these do not help. Thank you!
lisadimatteo
Original Author
8 years ago
When given time to really grow the stalk becomes thick and woody (covered in pricks that are much more hard and serious than what is pictured here). I roots seem to be everywhere. Earlier seasons and earlier in THIS season I have been clipping them under the soil to cut off their energy but it's clear I am not getting all of them.
bob_cville
8 years ago
I think it might Aralia spinosa, commonly known as Devil's Walkingstick
lisadimatteo thanked bob_cville
lisadimatteo
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for the lead Tiffany - got my answer HERE and 'name that plant'! I assumed it was a weed because of how invasive the roots
are, seems it's not. Seems some folks plant this intentionally.
I can't past the the thorns all over it. It feels inhospitable to me.
My personal preference would be to eradicate it with out chem...I
wonder how easy that will be. Thanks so much for solving this mystery, bob_cville.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years ago
Happy to help investigate. I was curious along with you too! Don't think I'd keep that mean plant around either. Ouch!
Atlamol
8 years ago
Perhaps more likely is Aralia elata, Japanese Angelica tree, an invasive species that is spreading in the Northeast. Hard to distinguish from A. spinosa unless you have flowers. But you would not want it around.
cakbu z9 CA
8 years ago
Looks like the blackberry vines that grow at my place. Really hard to get rid of...spraying Roundup has not proven successful.
callirhoe123
8 years ago
I agree, aralia. Very hard to control.

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