Dog Strangling Vine is an extremely aggressive plant from the milkweed family that has become a problem in our area in the past couple of years.
Dog Strangling Vine is a perennial with a horizontal woody stem that can grow over 6 feet long. The stems can range in length from 60 to 200 cm (24 – 80 inches)
The leaves are smooth and oval in shape. They grow in pairs up the stem. The flowers are purple to blackish. The vine is very strong although thin, and will twine around everything!
Flowers will produce pods containing seed that is similar in appearance to common milkweed. It will start producing long thin pods in the summer, then in the fall the pods will split open and the seeds that are attached to milkweed -like fluff will allow the plant to spread everywhere .
To rid yourself of this invasive weed, start as soon as you see the plant, dig it out, and keep removing it. Cut it down and compost it in a black plastic bag. Attempt to avoid having it go to seed! Once you have it on your property, contact a realtor.