what is this?
is it invasive?

Reporter
April 30, 2012, 2:47 a.m.

Hi Laramie! Thanks for your email. I'm sorry to report that, yes, you have Clematis vitalba, which is quite invasive. The puffy seedheads blow all over and the vines create some pretty intense mats which block out the sun. I'd recommend cutting it off at the base, and then again 6-8' up. That prevents new growth from "laddering" on old dead stems, and will start depleting the roots. Digging out rootballs is ideal, but sometimes difficult to accomplish. Feel free to contact me directly (mitch.bixby@portlandoregon.gov) if you want to how you might proceed.

-Mitch

Mitch Bixby
May 2, 2012, 10:15 a.m.