I was doing more reading and I read that it has edible parts, although I am not going to try this out for myself. I am not quite that brave. This site says to pick parts "from vines containing both thorns and tendrils only." Take a look at those huge tubers!
http://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/08/greenbriar.html?m=:1
It is supposed to be native to North America and some types are endangered.
I also read that it could be invasive, spreading both by seeds and shoots/runners. I wonder if that depends on the area or anywhere it takes root? Some plants are invasive in BC but aren''t here, for example.
It can be hard to get rid of being able to resist both dry & wet conditions. It can also kill the trees or whatever it climbs.
I am not sure that I want to battle more invasive plants and am leaning toward trying to dig it up before it gets too large. Hopefully I can.
Edited by Flutterby, 2016-09-16 09:53:41