How to control the noxious bryonia weed
Jun 14, 2024, 6:00 AM
Bryonia, also known as bryony, is a weed that is part of the cucumber family. It looks very similar to grapes, and it can grow up to 6 inches a day. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY – Do you have bryonia creeping up in your yard? If you do, be very careful because this white poisonous weed can be extremely noxious. Here are some tips on how to identify and control it from KSL Greenhouse Hosts, Taun Beddes and Maria Shilaos.
Bryonia, also known as bryony, is a weed that is part of the cucumber family. It looks very similar to grapes, and it can grow up to 6 inches a day.
“It grows along streams and rivers, but if it has regular irrigation it will establish in your yard,” Taun said.
It’s not yet considered a noxious weed in Utah, but it is poisonous enough to take over and smother everything. With that in mind, it’s especially important to wear a long-sleeved shirt and disposable or washable gloves when handling it.
“We do not have wild grapes in Utah, so if something’s coming up looking like a grape, it’s going to be bryonia or something like Virginia creeper,” Taun said.
There are a few different ways you can get rid of it. One way is by using a brush and stump killer. Another way is by severing the taproot.
“If it’s just a younger plant, you can sever the taproot 3 or 4 inches down, and then you’re wearing that long-sleeved shirt and gloves to throw it away. It may come back a couple of times, but if it’s younger and you keep severing the taproot, it will eventually kill it,” Taun said.
The KSL Greenhouse is on every Saturday from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. You can follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and on our website.
