Mile-a-Minute
Persicaria perfoliata
Plant Description
An herbaceous, annual trailing vine with recurved bars along the stems and underside of leaves; leaves are alternate and triangular. Berry-like deep blue fruits arise from small white flowers. (formerly Polygonum perfoliatum)
Plant Details
| Life Forms | |
|---|---|
| Habitats | |
| ODA Listing | |
| Soil and Moisture Conditions | |
| Suggested Actions | |
| Shade Preference | |
| Mature Height | Vines can be 18+ feet long |
| Distribution | Northeast US and Oregon. |
| Control | Pull young vines by hand, wearing gloves for protection. Use caution when pulling older vines to avoid spreading seeds. |
| Reproduction and Spread | Seeds are spread by birds and ants. |
| Introduced | Introduced from Asia in the 1930s. |
| Look Alikes | Not easily confused with other Persicaria species |
| Impact | Invades Orchards, nurseries and crops, smothering seedlings and causing economic losses. Grows rapidly and covers other plants. Can restrict movement of humans and wildlife due to its barbs. |
| More Info |
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