Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - August 04, 2015
From: Oklahoma City, OK
Region: Southwest
Topic: Problem Plants, Vines
Title: Controlling Cocculus carolinus vines
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in Oklahoma City and want to rid my yard and flowerbeds of Cocculus Carolinus vines, I already have a infestation, I cant count the number of vines that were already established before I found out what the vine was.,,. I have tried brush killer and even that doesn't seem to work.. I don't know what else to try..ANSWER:
The roots of Cocculus carolinus (Carolina snailseed) are shallow and sucker easily thus making the vine difficult to eliminate. I know that you said you have used brush killer (e.g., Roundup or equivalent glyphosate herbicide) but I suspect that you sprayed it on the plant. The Carolina snailseed leaves and stems are relatively tough and may not readily absorb the herbicide. Instead of spraying, here is another suggestion.
- Cut the vines very near the ground, and
- Immediately after cutting each vine, use a cheap foam brush and paint the surface of the cut stem left in the ground with an appropriate herbicide. The reason for the immediate painting is that many plants rapidly seal cells at the site of an injury to protect themselves and the sealing would inhibit the uptake of the herbicide.
When using chemical control please use caution and follow the safety instructions given with the chemicals to protect yourself, other plants you want to keep, and the environment.
More Problem Plants Questions
Bluebonnets and weeds in Burleson TX
March 31, 2010 - I have lots of blue bonnets growing in my yard but they are overcome with weeds. What can I use to eliminate the weeds without killing the bluebonnets?
view the full question and answer
Plant-related skin rashes from Round Rock TX
September 23, 2013 - I have been plagued with persistent skin rashes this summer, and it is happening with plants that have never bothered me before, for example, red yucca. The dermatologist says it is a plant reaction,...
view the full question and answer
Eliminating bluebonnets from lawn
December 05, 2009 - I need to know the best way to eliminate bluebonnets which are growing in my yard. My HOA is pursuing legal action against me to prevent me growing the plants. I can't afford to "resod" my yard. Ca...
view the full question and answer
Dietes bicolor invasive from Brisbane Australia
April 01, 2013 - We have dietes bicolor growing in our garden. I am changing the type of garden and cannot seem to kill it. I've dugged it out, spent too many weekends pulling out every new shoot, used poison, but t...
view the full question and answer
Defense against poison ivy from The Woodlands TX
March 24, 2014 - Hi and thank you in advance for your help.
My husband is allergic to Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac, or something in our yard. We need someone who is very knowledgeable to come and identify any poisonous pla...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |