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Mile-a-Minute Vine (Persicaria perfoliata)
Status: one location was found in 2017 in southwest Monroe County; that site is now believed to have been eradicated. Birds may have spread this invasive by carrying seeds away from the initial site, so everyone should be watching for this species in western Monroe County. Description: This is a trailing herbaceous annual vine with a shallow root system. Light green, alternate leaves have barbs on the underside and are shaped like an equilateral triangle. Stems have recurved barbs and distinctive, funnel-shaped leafy structures, called ocreae, surround the stem at the nodes. Flowers are small and white, often inconspicuous. Fruits are deep blue berries arranged in clusters. Threat: This aptly-named vine is incredibly fast-growing and will quickly cover open areas. Once established it is difficult to control so the goal is to find any populations in Monroe County quickly and eradicate them. Keep your eyes open in fields, fencerows, roadsides, and other edge habitats. |
Think you have found mile-a-minute vine?
Check for these three characters (photos courtesy of Todd Mervosh, CT Agricultural Experiment Station):
Check for these three characters (photos courtesy of Todd Mervosh, CT Agricultural Experiment Station):
1. Does it have leaves shaped like equilateral triangles?
2. Do the leaf undersides and the stems have small thorns that curve towards the base of the plant?
3. Do the stems have funnel-shaped ocrea at the nodes?
If you answer 'yes' to all three questions, it is very likely you have found mile-a-minute vine. Please take a picture and report this plant at EDDMaps.org or email your photo to mciris2010@gmail.com.