Just like we go to the doctor for routine checkups, our
greenbelt’s health is being monitored so we can nip problems in the bud before
they grow. One of our Friends is
documenting all of the invasive plant species in our greenbelt and the effort we spend removing them.
Found one! Cat Claw Vine was documented in
the greenbelt today for the first time. This
invasive vine has caused a big problem in Mayfield Nature Preserve where it has
formed a blanket under the trees preventing understory plants from growing and
using up valuable water that the trees need to survive our harsh
conditions.
These photos are of the cat claw vine in our greenbelt.
Surgery - Luckily
the amount in our greenbelt is very small right now, so our Friend is talking
with the Parks and Recreation Department and the Watershed Protection
Department to let them know about the plan to remove it. Once approved, our Friend will simply dig up
the small tuber and throw it away.
Prevention is the
Best Medicine – Cat Claw Vine is a woody vine that is sold as an ornamental
plant. It spreads by seeds and by
runners. If you have it in your yard
then you can remove it by digging up the tubers and throwing them away. Great native alternatives that you can use in
your landscape include:
Happy Gardening! For more earth-wise gardening tips for
Austin visit www.GrowGreen.org
crossvine passion vine trumpet vine
January 10, 2013 Update
The Parks and Recreation & Watershed Protection Departments gave approval for the removal of this small grouping of cat claw vine sooooo.....
tonight was spent digging up invasive plant tubers. We will continue to monitor the area to see if there are any new shoots but initial prognosis is good.
