Will Brushmaster Kill Smilax Rotundifolia?

About Smilax Rotundifolia

• Smilax rotundifolia, also known as common greenbrier, is a perennial woody vine with shiny green foliage. It bears small yellow flowers in late spring. S. rotundifolia bears rose-like thorns on its twigs and tendrils that it uses to climb. Although homeowners being overrun with the vine find it a nuisance, in the wild it provides wildlife with food and shelter in the winter.

Use of Brushmaster

• Brushmaster is labeled for use on brambles, not briers. Although some extension specialists recommend treating the vine with an herbicide containing glyphosate, or one with the ingredients found in Brushmaster, foresters with the United States Forestry Service claim that S. rotundifolia is resistant to most herbicides. Their studies showed no difference in greenbrier populations two years after herbicide treatment. In one study, utilizing fire as a control, S. rotundifolia populations increased in one area. Obviously, it’s a tough plant to kill.

How to Kill It

• Smilax rotundifolia grows from an underground rhizome that produces additional potato-like tubers. Use Brushmaster on very young Smilax vines. If you get to them before they form the extensive rhizome system, you may be able to kill them. The best way to kill the vine, however, is to chop it to the soil and dig up the rhizome and destroy it. Ensure that you get the entire root system, as anything left behind may regenerate and cause the a recurring problem. You may need to dig laterally to reach any tubers that may have spread further.

Considerations

• Wear heavy gloves when working around S. rotundifolia to avoid injury from the thorns on the plant’s branches. The ideal way to destroy both the foliage and the rhizome is by burning it. Should you decide to use Brushmaster, read the entire label carefully. Avoid spraying the product during windy weather, because the spray may drift onto desirable ornamentals and kill them. Wear protective clothing and wash your hands with soap and water before eating, smoking or chewing gum. If Brushmaster gets on your clothing, change clothes immediately.