Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross (=Polygonum perfoliatum L.) (vine, climber)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact Persicaria perfoliata is known to grow rapidly, scrambling over shrubs and other vegetation, blocking the foliage of covered plants from available light and reducing their ability to photosynthesize, which stresses and weakens them. If left unchecked, the shaded plants are killed, and large infestations eventually reduce native plant species in natural areas. It is commonly called mile-a-minute. Small populations of extremely rare plants may be eliminated entirely. Because it can smother tree seedlings, this weed has a negative effect on Christmas tree farms, forestry operations on pine plantations and reforestation of natural areas. It has the potential to be a problem to nursery and horticulture crops that are not regularly tilled as a cultivation practice. IPANE (2001) state that trees and other native plants could suffer mechanical damage due to the weight of this plant. Mile-a-minute weed is a threat to ecosystems as it has the ability to outgrow other species (Oliver, 1996). No Impact information recorded for Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross (=Polygonum perfoliatum L.)