Dog-strangling vine (DSV) is an invasive twining vine in the milkweed family that was introduced to North America from Europe as an ornamental garden plant. It can grow up to two metres long, climbing over trees, shrubs and other vegetation and forming dense mats that outcompete native plants.
Why it matters
In keeping with the Council-approved Integrated Pest Management Strategy, dog-strangling vine is a priority species for management in the region because it has not yet spread widely.
Early action gives us the best opportunity to contain DSV's spread and potentially eradicate it before management becomes too difficult and costly.
This invasive plant has the ability to:
- smother native vegetation
- reduce biodiversity
- degrade wildlife habitat and impact ecosystem health
- threaten endangered monarch butterflies
- produce wind-dispersed seeds that result in rapid spread
- interfere with recreation and forestry activities
Identification
DSV is a twining vine that climbs from 0.6 to two metres high and may form dense mats. Its leaves are smooth-edged, dark green, glossy and pointed. The flowers of the vine are five-petalled and star-shaped; they range from pale pink to maroon in colour. The pods of DSV are bean-shaped, contain fluffy white seeds and are between four and 7 centimetres long.
What the municipality is doing about it
Most of the known occurrences of DSV in Halifax are on privately-owned land, which the municipality cannot manage.
However, the municipal Environment & Climate Change team is partnering with the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council to distribute learning materials to increase awareness about this invasive species and ask the community for help in limiting DSV's spread in the region.
What to do if you find DSV
Report suspected sightings to the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council (NSISC) or by using the iNaturalist app. Do not attempt control without guidance, as improper management and disposal can spread the plant. Seeds, roots, and stems should never be composted.