Mile-a-minute Weed

(Persicaria perfoliata)

A rapid growing herbaceous annual vine that can grow to be 20’ tall with support from nearby vegetation. It has delicate reddish stems that are covered with barbs.

Other names for this plant include:

• Common names: Asiatic tearthumb, devil's tail tearthumb
• Scientific names: Persicaria perfoliata; Ampelygonum perfoliatum

Ecological threat:

• Prefers moist areas and invades woodland edges, wetlands and stream banks where the buoyant seeds can disperse easily.
• Smothers native plants by growing up to 6” in one day.