What will kill this? Crossbow or Roundup. I have been fighting blackberries out here in the country for years, and I don't want to trade one fight for another - at least I can eat the blackberries.

Reporter
Aug. 15, 2009, 2:13 a.m.

Dear Gloria,

Thanks so much for your report. Thankfully the plant you reported is not Kudzu, it is a native vine called Western Wild Cucumber that can grow very quickly and overtop other trees and plants. It is also called "manroot" , named for the enormous person-sized tuber root that it forms. Because it is a vine with very aggressive grown, it is very often confused with Kudzu by vigilant weed watchers such as yourself. Kudzu can be distinguished from the wild cucumber by its three-leaves. Also the leaves are pubescent (fuzzy). Check out this fact sheet for some good photos, and please do keep looking out for Kudzu. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pumo1.htm
It has been found in Oregon before, so it is just a matter of time before it is introduced and established again.

Another plant that is good to be watching for in your area is Garlic Mustard. This very invasive plant (just as bad as kudzu) is already taking over Portland and marching its way down the valley. Checek out this link for photos and more information. http://www.portlandonline.com/BES/index.cfm?c=49877&a=234259

Thanks


Tania Siemens
WISE Program Coordinator (Watershed and Invasive Species Education)
Oregon Sea Grant Extension
Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response Coordinator
The Nature Conservancy
tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu
541-914-0701

Tania Siemens
Aug. 18, 2009, 4:06 a.m.