If you’ve noticed a twining plant suddenly showing up in new corners of your yard, you’re not imagining things. In several states, black swallow-wort (also called dog-strangling vine) has been turning up more often and quietly taking over edges, meadows, and even garden beds. It’s sneaky because it doesn’t look dramatic at first, and it can blend in until it’s already climbing and seeding. The good news is you can get ahead of it with a few smart, frugal steps that don’t require fancy tools. Acting early matters, because once this invasive vine establishes, it becomes a multi-year fight.
