Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Persicaria perfoliata

Mile-a-minute Weed can be either an annual or perennial, depending how far north it's growing. It originated in eastern Asia including China, the islands from Japan to the Philippines, Nepal, Burma, Korea and Taiwan. It was introduced accidentally in 1930 when a nursery in York county Pennsylvania planted holly seeds from Japan and not only did holly sprout so did Mile-a-minute Weed. The owner of the nursery decided to keep the plant and in 70 years it has since spread over 500 km.

It is capable of colonizing open and disturbed areas along forest edges, wetlands, stream banks, roadsides, fence lines, uncultivated open fields, nurseries, orchards, and parks.

This plant is capable of growing rapidly and spreads over top the other vegetation blocking out the light and eventually killing the plants. This aggressive behaviour reduces native plant species and smothers tree seedlings; this has a negative effect on the forestry industry and forestry plantations.

Mile-a-minute Weeds does best in full light but can tolerate shade for part of the day, it also prefers high soil moisture but can survive in low moisture areas. A temperature of 100C or colder must be sustained for an 8 week period to stimulate seed germination.

The stems have re-curved barbs as do the underside of the triangular shaped leaves. Flowers are small, white and inconspicuous and grow on a spike. The fruits produced resemble blue berries which attract wild life that then act as dispersal agents, especially birds.

Information provided by Plant Conservation Alliance (PCA): Alien Plant Working Group

 

Resources

2011 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

2010 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

Mile-a-minute Weed ISCM Fact Sheet

 

Back to Terrestrial Invasive Species List

 





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