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Please help identify the weed!

12 years ago

We are new to the Austin area and found this plant growing crazy in the back yard. It appears to be limited to the base of two trees which are in close proximity. I thought it was prickly lettuce from the way it looks but the leaves seem to be too smooth and shiny. The roots are deep and I never seem to be able to get to the bottom of the plants to pluck them out. I saw a similar plant (not sure if its the same) near UT austin but that appeared to have been grown on purpose like a tall ground cover. Can someone help me identify the plant and what I should do to get rid of it? or should I just let them grow ?

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Comments (4)

hortster
12 years ago
You might google Mahonia repens (creeping Oregon grape holly) and compare.
hortster
flora_uk
12 years ago
Is it possible that these are the leaves of suckers from the two trees? They could be a species of Quercus (oak). They don't appear to be pinnate like Mahonia.
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jolj
12 years ago
Mahonia repens is a nursery plant here in the south & M.E.N. says the berries make a good jam.
kenotia
12 years ago
Is it a small shrub or woody stemmed? If so, it's most likely some sort of holly (Ilex). It is very common in Texas as a landscaping plant and is a pain and a half to get rid of because its thick roots.

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