Ask Mr. Answer Person: "What is the vine with white blossoms covering every fence line between Decorah and Calmar?"

Posted: Wed, Aug 15, 2018 8:48 AM

(Photo courtesy of www.dodge.uwex.edu)

(Steve e-mails: "Here's a question for Mr. Answer Man: What is the vine with white blossoms covering every fence line between Decorah and Calmar? I also see it along the bike trail. It looks like it is crowding out all other plants.")

Mr. Answer Person says: "According to Decorah Parks and Recreation Director Andy Nimrod, the vine in question is wild cucumber -- an annual native to most of North America that prefers low lying areas, woodlands, and shady areas. The vines grow 25 to 30 feet long with tendrils that coil around anything they touch.

The University of Wisconsin Extension website says, wild cucumber sprouts from seed in early spring and is often overlooked until it begins to engulf trees and shrubs. Once it blooms it becomes even easier to spot.

Although usually considered a weed, wild cucumber can be cultivated. Because it grows so quickly, it is great for covering a pergola, arbor, or along a fence or low structure. In addition, the flowers are prolific and fragrant. If, however, wild cucumber is taking over in places it shouldn't, simply pull it out and discard."