Vines That Spread Out of Control Underground

Ornamental

• American trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a rapidly growing perennial vine that spreads through rhizomes. This deciduous, erect vine climbs with aerial roots that attach to other plants and objects for support. Growing to lengths of 30 to 40 feet, this eastern and south-central United States native produces orange to scarlet tubular flowers that form in clusters in mid to late summer. Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) is a perennial vine with fast-spreading and quick-growing rhizomes. This 20- to 35-foot-long plant has a twining habit and small, white flowers that bloom in clusters July through September.

Edible

• Common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is a native North American climbing vine that forms fast-spreading rhizomes. This woody, deciduous plant has heart-shaped, green leaves and is thorny. Common greenbrier bears green flowers in the spring and edible bluish-black berries that mature in late summer and into the following spring. Himalaya blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) is a perennial evergreen vine that spreads through rhizomes and originated in Armenia. This invasive plant has purplish-red twigs that develop red, recurving thorns; edible 1-inch long black fruit; and large, white to light pink flowers grow from late spring until early summer.

Deciduous

• Eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a woody, perennial vine endemic to North America. This vigorous, deciduous plant climbs and spreads through rhizomes. The pale green leaves are almond-shaped and grow in clusters of three. Eastern poison ivy foliage turns red and orange during the fall. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is another deciduous, woody perennial vine. It has rounded, shiny leaves with toothed edges. Oriental bittersweet is invasive, spreading through underground roots and prolific seeding. It climbs and twines around trees, weighing them down and making them susceptible to uprooting and blowing over during high winds.

Evergreen

• Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an evergreen or semievergreen perennial, woody vine with invasive tendencies. This eastern Asia native forms rhizomes that rapidly spread to further the plant's development. Growing to lengths of 80 to 120 feet, this twining vine develops fragrant white blossoms. Japanese honeysuckle has oval-shaped, medium green leaves. Lanceleaf greenbrier (Smilax lanceolata) is an evergreen vine in its southeastern U.S. range. It has dark green, glossy sword-shaped foliage. The leaves are 2 to 5 inches long with finely toothed edges. Lanceleaf greenbrier is fast growing and spreads by large rhizomes. It produces jasmine-scented flowers from April to July.