18
What is Bryony?
Bryony refers to two British native plants: white bryony and black bryony. They’re both climbers with large roots and are often found in hedgerows and woodland edges. They can also be found in gardens, where their vigorous growth can cause problems.
How to Identify Bryony
- White bryony: Has large, five-lobed leaves, climbing tendrils, and greenish summer flowers followed by red berries.
- Black bryony: Has heart-shaped leaves, no tendrils, and bears smaller, yellow-green flowers followed by red berries.
Is Bryony Poisonous?
Yes, all parts of black and white bryony are poisonous, including their berries. White bryony may also cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling it.
How to Control Bryony in Your Garden
- Digging out: This is best done when the plants are young, as they can develop large tubers and become difficult to dig out later.
- Cutting back: Persistently and regularly cutting back growth may eventually kill the plant.
- Weedkiller: Use with caution, as it can be harmful to other plants and wildlife. Apply it to the leaves and stems, not the soil. The best time to apply weedkiller is summer to early autumn.
Additional Tips:
- Bryony is often introduced to gardens by birds, so it’s important to check for it in hard-to-reach areas.
- Even if you can’t completely dig out the plant, removing a section of tuber can be enough to kill it.
- Repeat the weedkiller process a few times if necessary.
