Introduction

Mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross, formerly Polygonum perfoliatum, L.) is an annual vine

in the Polygonaceae or Buckwheat family. It is native to eastern Asia including India, Bhutan, Nepal, China,

Burma, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Siberia, the Philippines, New Guinea, the Malay peninsula and

the Indochina peninsula. The plant was introduced into the United States in the 1930s from Japan at

a plant nursery in York County, Pennsylvania, and an introduction garden in Prince Georges County,

Maryland. Although mile-a-minute weed was eradicated from the introduction garden, it became established and

eventually spread from the Pennsylvania site. Since mile-a-minute weed was introduced, its range has expanded

in several directions for approximately 300 miles.  In the eastern United States, mile-a-minute weed

germinates in full sun in early spring, flowering begins in early June or July, and fruits are produced between early

August and the first frost, usually mid-October.

Ecological Threat

Mile-a-minute weed grows rapidly, out-competing native species by blocking available light. It infests nurseries,

orchards, openings in forested areas, roadsides, and drainage ditches. As an early successional species,

mile-a-minute weed grows rapidly in areas previously treated with herbicides, such as kudzu eradication sites,

powerline rights-of-way, and recreational areas. Plant diversity is greatly reduced in these areas. Subsequently,

wildlife species are affected by diminished food and habitat sources.

Habitat

Mile-a-minute weed is a colonizer of disturbed sites and open areas, wetlands, forest edges, stream banks,

roadsides, and open fields. Although it can tolerate partial shade, mile-a-minute utilizes its ability to attach

to other plants and climb over them to reach higher light levels. Mile-a-minute weed prefers moist soils but

survives in relatively dry areas.

Control and Management

Mechanical Methods

Because of its relatively weak root system, hand pulling, weeding and cultivation are useful for small infestations.

Hand pulling of seedlings should be done before the sharp recurved barbs harden. Plant removal can

continue throughout the summer, but is more effective when done before seeds are produced. Repeated low

mowing and trimming will prevent flowering and reduce or eliminate seed production. However, seeds that

remain in the ground may germinate for up to 6 years.

Cultural Methods

Maintain vegetation continuity and avoid creating gaps in existing vegetation. Maintain vegetative buffers along

streams and forest edges to prevent establishment of and seed dispersal.