We have always called it smilax. I think that is what it is known as, but I never remember it being in my yard as I was growing up, only in the woods. They are so aggressive and numerous in my yard that the tubers are now as big as baked potatoes. Left alone, these things grow ten feet tall in a matter of five or six days. Question: Is there anything other than mechanically removing them with their tubers that can be done? These are some bad dudes with thorns about every inch when they are small. Thanks, MG