Types of Weedy Vines

Vines grow quickly and attach themselves to vertical objects.

Vines grow quickly and attach themselves to vertical objects.

Vines provide an effective way to create elaborate landscaping and climb trellises with ease. When left uncontrolled, vines can be a nuisance. However, when properly looked after and maintained, vines provide an effective and easy-to-care-for ornament for the sides of a house, pillar or arbor. Avoid planting an invasive vine since these weedy vines are considered invasive plants that smother other plant life or otherwise cause problems among in the local environment. However, there are non-invasive options that may be used in a garden safely.

Invasive Vines

There are common invasive vines that should be avoided in any garden. For instance, English ivy (Hedera helix) is an invasive vine that must be avoided. While maintaining invasive vines is possible if they spread outside of a garden, they can become difficult to control and may harm animals and plant diversity. When there is any question about whether an invasive vine is dangerous, consult a professional. Many invasive and non-invasive vines look similar.

Invasive Spreading

Most invasive plants must be avoided because they can't be controlled within a garden. Some species of invasive plants have berries on them, which can then be picked up and spread by birds. Once this process begins, invasive plants begin to take over an entire locale. These plants kill other species and take all the nutrients necessary for a healthy and diverse selection of flora. Since these plants appear in unintended locations they are considered weedy.

Cultivated Vines

Any fast-growing plant has the tendency to become a nuisance. However, slower growing vines, such as passion flower vine (Passiflora incarnata), provide an excellent alternative to invasive weedy types of vines. These vines sprout flowers, don't grow excessively fast and provide an ornamental and coloring effect to any garden or greenhouse. Consult with local ordinances to find vines that respond well to cultivation and won't become invasive if neglected. Choosing plants that are native to the environment prevents the possibility of a more aggressive vine getting loose and wreaking havoc on local ecosystems. Passion flower grows as an evergreen in Sunset's Climate Zones 5 through 9 and 12 through 31.

Native Alternatives

Instead of planting invasive vines, consider using one of the many non-invasive plants with similar qualities. Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) and Climbing aster (Ampelaster carolinianus) are all options that grow in Sunset zones 1 through 24, are non-invasive, and provide a similar element or decorative flair to a trellis or other statue. Non-invasive vines also have the ability to climb and when trimmed and cared for regularly pose no problems with the natural environment and won't harm animal life.

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