Vines & Vine-like Pacific Northwest Weeds

Himalayan blackberry takes over neglected areas. Plants live for many years (perennial). Canes grow up to 15 feet tall. They grow on the ground or through vegetation or structures.

Himalayan blackberry thorns are large and dangerous. If you are injured by a blackberry thorn, clean the wound with soap and water.

Birds and mammals eat the berries and spread seeds widely.

 Leaves are palm-shaped with a central stem. Each leaf has five leaflets (sometimes three) with toothed margins.

Himalayan blackberry flowers have five petals in shades of white to pink. They are very attractive to honey bees and other pollinators.

Field bindweed forms a dense mat of vines and leaves on the ground. It also climbs and overtakes other plants, fences, and trellises.

Field bindweed forms a dense mat of vines and leaves on the ground. It also climbs and overtakes other plants, fences, and trellises.

Field bindweed spreads with vines that grow across the ground and roots underground.

Field bindweed spreads with vines that grow across the ground and roots underground.

Mature field bindweed plants produce dozens to hundreds of seeds shown in the photo. Seeds remain viable in the soil for many decades.

Mature field bindweed plants produce dozens to hundreds of seeds shown in the photo. Seeds remain viable in the soil for many decades.

Hedge bindweed forms a dense mat of vines and leaves on the ground. It often climbs and overtakes other plants, fences, and any adjacent structure.

Mature plants have triangular or arrow-shaped leaves that range from 2-5 inches long.
The bottom of hedge bindweed leaves are squared off or rounded compared to field bindweed. The vines are often reddish-tinged and grow up to 10 feet long.

Hedge bindweed spreads by vines supporting flowers that are 2.5-5 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. Look for flowers in late spring throughout summer. The flowers produce 2-4 grey-to-brown-black seeds that persist for decades in the soil.
Hedge bindweed also spreads by rhizomes.

The photo shows a hedge bindweed plant with rhizomes sprouting new above-ground shoots.
Hedge bindweed’s root system may spread horizontally up to 10 feet and many feet deep. The extensive root system allows the plant to avoid drought conditions. Look for seedlings and shoots from mature plants in early spring.

Hedge bindweed plants produce dozens to hundreds of seeds shown in the photo. Seeds remain viable in the soil for decades.

Evergreen vine with waxy leaves. Forms a thick mat often growing over other plants.

Leaf shape and size vary on a single plant. When growing on the ground in vegetative growth stage, it has angular leaves with three to seven tips.

Leaves respond to direct or strong indirect sunlight. They become more round with a single tip.

Birds eat ivy berries and carry seeds to new locations. The seeds sprout and new ivy plants grow.

Single ivy plants grow vigorous root systems. Vines sprawl across the ground and grow up trees, shrubs, and structures as shown in the photo. New plants start from cut or broken pieces of ivy stems.

English Ivy Distribution & Invasive Species Reporting in Oregon

Red areas show counties in Oregon where English ivy is widespread. Grey areas show where it is not known to occur.

Invasive Species Reporting

You can help Oregon agencies track the distribution of invasive species.

If you know about an infestation of ivy, please report it to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline. Call 1-866-INVADER (1-866-468-2337). Or use their online reporting form.