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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 6 m 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 6" 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:

Tier 2 - Eradication

Invasive Species Priorities - Tier Chart

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Additional Resources:

Mile-a-Minute BMP

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.

NYS Prohibited and Regulated Species - Part 575:

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:

Early Detection

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.