Mile-A-Minute Weed Persicaria Perfoliata by: Tim Clancy

Identification Very long narrow stem Recurved barbs on the stem Many buds on the stem that produce small, white flowers Flowers produce berry-like fruit that is blue in color Leaves are light green and look like equilateral triangles Plant can grow up to 6 meters in length

Origin and how it got here Native to Eastern Asia, India, China, Japan, and the Phillippines First established in the U.S. in 1930 at Gable Nursery in Stewartstown, PA Nursery owner planted holly seeds from Japan that happened to have mile- a-minute seeds in the mix Nursery owner let the plant reproduce and it got out of control

Plants preferences Likes a lot of sunlight and moisture Commonly found in open areas, edge of woods and roadsides, and along stream banks. Does not grow as well in the shade. Plant usually dies when it gets colder in the fall, leaving the seeds behind

Range (2003 map)

How it Impacts the environment Plant grows very fast (6 inches per day) Attaches to other plants using its barbs and continues to grow up and around them. Blocks sunlight if host plant, reducing its capability to photosynthesis. Puts additional weight on its host causing distortion of the hosts stem. Both of those factors combine can put enough stress on the plant to kill it.

How it is spread Self pollinating Can produce seeds per season Season is usually June-October Seeds can survive in the soil for up to 6 yrs/w staggered germination Main dispersal method is by animals Mainly deer, squirrels, and birds Seeds can also travel long distances down river

How to combat it Mile-a-minute weevil (Rhinocominus latipes) Adults eat the leaves and lay eggs on the leaves and stem Larvae bore into stem to complete development then exit stem Chemicals are not much use Mile-a-minute weed usually envelopes other plants If plant is by itself then the best herbicides to get rid of the weed are triclopyr and glyphosate Leave less gaps in-between plants Hand pulling the plant mowing

Sources m m