What do you think of when you see the words 'Witch Hobble?' No, it' not a Halloween song, or some new type of dance created on social media from someone with too much time on their hands.

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Witch Hobble is actually Viburnum lantanoides according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. And just what is Viburnum lantanoides? Well, you've probably seen or maybe it's even gotten in your way from time to time.

It's a plant, found in many forest areas of New York State. The NYS DEC describes this plant as "softball sized clusters of tiny, cream-colored flowers ringed by larger, white flowers. Insects are drawn to the smaller flowers of the Witch Hobble, like flies, butterflies, and bees among others.

Wildlife enjoy Witch Hobble as well, since it provides food such as it's branches, leaves and fruit. And while all of this is great for wildlife and insects, this plant can be a trip for humans, and I don't mean that in a good way.

If you are taking a walk or a hike through the beautiful forests of New York State, beware of this plant as the New York State of Environmental Conservation points out:

Hikers take care when walking around witch-hobble—it’s also called hobblebush, because of its tendency to create dense patches of interlacing branches that have been known to ensnare the occasional hiking boot. - NYS DEC

The North Carolina State University Education website notes that this plant also goes by the names of Alder-leaved Viburnum, Hobblebush and Moosewood. This likes to sprout in moist, rich woods, stream banks and swamps.

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