Talk:Bryony
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White bryony (Bryonia alba L.) is in the United States and has been since the 1970's. This is what I found after doing some research online. I did most of my research on the United States Department of Agriculture's web site. It has white bryony listed as being in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah. I researched the plant because I've found some growing where I live (Cache County, Utah). I have never heard of it, nor have any local people I've talked to. It's good to know what it is because I also found out that, for the most part, the whole plant is poisonous. It is also used for medicinal purposes, but has to be prepared very carefully and taken in small doses. Mainly the root is used. The young shoots can be eaten after boiled, but don't try it. I wouldn't risk it after reading about what the plant can do and how hard it is to prepare it without getting poisoned.
I found out that it is a class-B noxious weed in Washington. It kills trees by growing over them, blocking sun and breaking the tree when the dead vines make a mat to hold plenty on snow on in the winter. I've seen that first hand. Kind of interesting plant. Mix of a cucumber vine...with berries and a parsnip type root.
Has anyone else seen this plant growing where you live? I'd like to know how fast it is spreading.
