White Bryony
Bryonia alba
Washington State Classification
Class B — Control Required (Designated)
Bryony is a vigorous perennial vine resembling Kudzu in its habit--forming dense mats which shade out all vegetation it grows upon.
Required control in Region 1 (all western Washington counties)
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
White bryony is an herbaceous perennial vine with climbing stems that grow 12 feet long, or more. It has thick, fleshy, light yellow roots. Stems have long curling, not branched tendrils and the flowers are from leaf axils.
Leaves
Leaves are simple, triangular, alternate, broadly toothed and 3 to 5 lobed. The upper and lower surfaces have small white glands.
Flowers
White bryony is monoecious, separate male and female flowers are found on the same plant. Flowers are greenish-white and up to 0.5 inch across.
Fruit & Seeds
White bryony has black mature berries with 3 to 6 ovoid to oblong seeds in each one. The berries are especially poisonous (though all parts of the plant are).
Impact
Bryony is a vigorous perennial vine resembling Kudzu in its habit--forming dense mats which shade out all vegetation it grows upon. Major destructive potential to native vegetation, forest communities, and urban horticulture. Berries are toxic to humans.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
It occurs as a climber in trees and fence rows and when disseminated in an area where there is nothing to climb, it will form dense mats shading out all other vegetation. It grows in disturbed areas, riparian areas, and roadsides. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of white bryony in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
White bryony reproduces by seed that is spread by birds. Plants can also resprout from the roots.
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Control Methods
Mechanical
- Cutting the plants back is ineffective as plants will re-sprout from roots.