Skunkvine Paederia foetida (L.) Rubiaceae

Biology Native to AsiaNative to Asia Introduced in 1897 to Brooksville USDA station as a potential fiber cropIntroduced in 1897 to Brooksville USDA station as a potential fiber crop Species name “foetida”Species name “foetida” –Latin for “stinky” or “foul smelling” –Odor released when leaves are crushed, from sulfur compounds in leaves

Background Economic Uses no beneficial uses to dateno beneficial uses to date Immediately problematic upon introductionImmediately problematic upon introduction

Distribution Found in several areas of west and north central FloridaFound in several areas of west and north central Florida Found along roadways and disturbed areasFound along roadways and disturbed areas Wide range of habitatsWide range of habitats –Hardwood, mixed pine forests, sandhills, floodplain forests and marshes

Skunkvine Distribution in Florida

Impacts Category 1 invasive species (FLEPPC)Category 1 invasive species (FLEPPC) –spreads into undisturbed sites Climbing vines engulf and cover treesClimbing vines engulf and cover trees Vine mass causes branches or entire trees to break or collapse and crawling vines form a dense layer of vegetationVine mass causes branches or entire trees to break or collapse and crawling vines form a dense layer of vegetation Smothers shrubs and other plants growing in the understory, displacing native vegetationSmothers shrubs and other plants growing in the understory, displacing native vegetation

Identification

Mature Plant Woody climbing vine, lacks thornsWoody climbing vine, lacks thorns Always twines to the rightAlways twines to the right Grows >30 feet in lengthGrows >30 feet in length

Leaves Leaves are found in various sizes and shapesLeaves are found in various sizes and shapes Bases rounded, tips pointed with smooth marginsBases rounded, tips pointed with smooth margins May be opposite on the stem or in whorls of threeMay be opposite on the stem or in whorls of three

Flowers and Fruit Flowers are small, light grayish pink, red centersFlowers are small, light grayish pink, red centers Fruits are round, shiny brownFruits are round, shiny brown 2 tiny black seeds per fruit2 tiny black seeds per fruit

Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

Preventative 1.Remove existing plants, including resprouts and before seeds are produced 2.Rouge out vines in abandoned areas 3.Use caution when disposing plant material, may contain seeds or cuttings 4.Clean equipment after in areas infested with skunkvine

Cultural 1.Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with this vine and proper identification 2.Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

Biological 1.There are several insects being investigated for skunkvine, but no release of biocontrol agents to date.

Mechanical 1.Hand pull young seedlings, including all roots, repeated pulling for resprouts 2.Cut vine down at ground level 3.Mowing is effective, although likely impractical, but must be repeated

Chemical - Foliar 1.Over-the-top applications for seedlings, resprouts and small vines 2.Thoroughly wet leaves with herbicide Triclopyr – 2% solution Triclopyr – 2% solution Glyphosate – 2 to 3% solution Glyphosate – 2 to 3% solution Use surfactant at 0.25% Use surfactant at 0.25% 3.Best results when applied spring and summer

Chemical - Basal 1.Use 100% triclopyr solution with basal oil 2.Apply 12 to 15 inches above ground on stems 3.Wet thoroughly for good control, spray until run-off is noticeable at ground line

Chemical – Cut Stump 1.Cut stems horizonally at or near ground level 2.Apply 100% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr 3.Cover the entire cut stem 4.Marker (blue) dye is helpful

Useful Links Floridata Homepage: =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Electronic Data Information Source:

Useful Links Flores, A Scouring the World for a Skunkvine Control. Agricultural Research Magazine, Vol. 51 No /skunk1003.htm 03/skunk1003.htm Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States:

Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 ppLangeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp Langeland, K. A., R. K. Stocker, and D. M. Brazis Natural Area Weeds: Skunkvine (Paederia foetida). IFAS Publication SS-AGR- 80. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Agronomy Department, University of Florida. Langeland K.A. and R.K. Stocker Control of Non-Native Plants in Natural Areas of Florida. IFAS Publication SP 242. University of Florida, Gainesville. 34pp.