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Bushkiller
Also known as: Japanese cayratia herb
Native to subtropical Australia and Asia, Cayratia japonica has been introduced to the United States, where it is considered invasive. Cayratia japonica is a vine that tends to climb and block the light for other plants, causing significant environmental damage. During forest fires, bushkiller acts as a 'ladder,' allowing the fire to climb to tree canopies and cause more damage.
Scientific classification
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Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Early fall
Bloom Time
2 m to 3 m
Plant Height
6 m to 9 m
Spread
Green, Red
Leaf Color
5 mm
Flower Size
White
Fruit Color
Yellow, Pink, Green, Gold
Flower Color
Red, White
Stem Color

Images of Bushkiller

Culture

Interesting Facts
Cayratia japonica has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The vine blooms in late summer, producing umbels of flowers that are red, yellow, and white. These flowers mature into grape-like berries.
Name Story
Bushkiller: Bushkiller earns its English common name because it’s an introduced species in North America that competes with native plants and can stress and weigh down trees. Not only is it sometimes deadly, but it is also resilient and can regenerate from its roots.
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Weed Control

Bushkiller is native to East Asia, but has since become a problematic weed across various regions in the world. Its weedy nature predominantly rests on its robust ability to reproduce and spread swiftly under favorable conditions, often thwarting out other native plants in the surroundings. This plant proliferates by producing large quantities of wind-dispersed seeds, enhanced by its vigorous vining habit which allows seeds to be spread over great distances. Additionally, this destructive plant can regenerate from root and stem fragments, making it immensely difficult to eradicate and control its spread. Its potential to rapidly take over and modify native vegetation, combined with its resistance to control methods, marks its negative impact on the gardening landscape. Most worryingly, bushkiller can kill other plants in a garden setting by smothering them, earning it the common name 'Bushkiller'. Due to these destructive characteristics, it is essential to maintain preventive measures and rapid response strategies in managing bushkiller.'s spread.
How to Control It
The perfect season for removing bushkiller is late spring or early summer. This is the time before the plant gets a chance to flower and seed. To manage this robust and invasive weed, follow these methods:
  1. Manual Digging: Begin by wearing a pair of gloves. Use a spade or a garden trowel to dig up the soil around the base of the bushkiller. Slowly and gently twist the plant out making sure you get as much of the root out as possible.
  2. Mulching: To smother bushkiller, you can apply a thick layer of mulch (approximately 2 to 3 inches deep) throughout the infested area. This blocks sunlight and suppresses the growth of the plant.
  3. Use of a Weed Puller: A weed puller can make removing bushkiller easier. Its claw-like design allows you to grip the stem of the plant so you can pull it out, roots and all. Insert the weed puller into the soil at the base of the plant, then twist and pull.
  4. Smothering with Plastic: Lay down a plastic tarp over the bushkiller and secure it with rocks or garden staples. This method, also known as solarization, uses the heat of the sun to kill the weed.
  5. Suffocating with Newspaper: Lay down stacks of newspaper (about 10 sheets thick) over the bushkiller and moisten them with water. Over time, this will suffocate and eventually kill the weed.
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Care Guide for Bushkiller

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Bushkiller thrives in consistently moist conditions and prefers stable humidity, although it is moderately drought-tolerant. Water weekly for optimal growth, and increase humidity during the active growing season to promote health and vitality indoors or outdoors.
Propagation: Bushkiller is an invasive climbing vine that requires healthy propagation from reliable seed sources. Sow in well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Manage growth actively through regular pruning and pest monitoring to maintain health and prevent dominance over other plants.
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