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Mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) fruit, Photo Credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

Mile-A-Minute Vine

COMMON NAME:

Mile-a-Minute Vine

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Persicaria perfoliata

ORIGIN:

Asia

DESCRIPTION:

Mile-a-minute is an herbaceous, annual, trailing vine that can reach lengths of six meters or more. Its stems are covered with barbs, which are also present on the underside of its leaf blades. The light green-colored leaves are triangle-shaped and alternate along the stem. Iridescent blue berry-like fruits are produced in mid-summer and continue until the fall. The seeds within these fruits can remain viable in the soil for up to six years.

ECOLOGY
RESOURCES
DISTRIBUTION

HABITAT:

Mile-a-minute typically colonizes open and disturbed areas such as forested floodplains, stream-side wetlands, upland forests, uncultivated fields and roadsides. Although mile-a-minute will tolerate some shade, it does best in full sunlight.

THREAT:

Mile-a-minute has gained a reputation as “the kudzu of the north” for its ability to quickly grow over and out-compete native plant species. In ideal growing conditions, a single vine can grow as much as six inches per day. Because it can smother tree seedlings, mile-a-minute vine can have a negative affect on tree farms, forestry operations, and the reforestation of natural areas.

MANAGEMENT:

The most common management methods for mile-a-minute include manual pulling of juvenile plants and selective herbicide treatments. There are also biological control weevils, Rhinoncomimus latipes, that are currently being used for mile-a-minute control.

WNY PRISM PRIORITY:

Early Detection Priority Species

Tier 2 - Eradication

Invasive Species Priorities - Tier Chart

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

WNY PRISM Best Management Practices for Mile-a-Minute

WNY PRISM Early Detection Reporting and Assessment Protocols

NYS Prohibited and Regulated Species - Part 575:

Mile-a-minute vine is a prohibited species in New York State - for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html.

PATHWAYS OF INVASION:

Mile-a-minute vine was introduced to North America through the Nursery and Landscaping industry, through contaminated plant shipments. Seeds are transported by birds, ants, small mammals and deer. Seeds may also be dispersed by streams/water.

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION:

Mile-a-minute vine was discovered at Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area, Genesee County, in 2017. Early detection monitoring and outreach efforts are currently underway.

MAP (via iMapInvasives):

To view more information for each point, zoom in, click on the point and select the "Maximize" symbol. Click "More info" to open the iMapInvasives record.

This map shows confirmed observations (green points) submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database.
Absence of data does not necessarily mean absence of the species at that site, but that it has not been reported there.
For more information, please visit iMapInvasives.