Mystery plant found under hedge

Asked June 19, 2019, 2:07 PM EDT

I found the plant pictured below while weeding an area under a hedge. From a distance, I thought I was seeing a volunteer dogwood, but as I got closer I realized those weren't dogwood leaves, and in addition, the stem is thorny. I've checked the plants illustrated on the HGIC website but can't identify this one. Can you please help?

Montgomery County Maryland weeds natives greenbriar plant care

3 Responses

This is greenbriar, a native vine. While it is a good plant for wildlife in a natural setting because it produces berries and protection, you don't want it in your landscape. It has a tough root and can develop and root system that is very hard to eradicate. Dig it out, getting all the root, as soon as you can.


Many thanks!