mile-a-minute
(Mikania micrantha)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Native to Central and South America.
Appearance
Mikania micrantha is an aggressive, fast-growing vine that can overtop adjacent vegetation. It prefers dry ground.
Leaves
Heart-shaped, 2-5" (5-12.5 cm) long.
Flower
Clusters of small white flowers form in late summer/early fall.
Seeds
White, fluffy wind-borne seeds are produced in the fall.
Could be confused with:
Two native species, climbing hempvine (M. scandens), which grows in wet areas, and Florida Keys hempvine (M. cordifolia) which has dull leaves with more rounded tips.
Citation
Angelo, C., Cooley, H., Giardina, D., et al. 2019. Everglades CISMA: Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) CISMA and Friends of Everglades CISMA. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/ECISMA/assets/File/ECISMA_plantEDRR_.pdf
Native to Central and South America.
Appearance
Mikania micrantha is an aggressive, fast-growing vine that can overtop adjacent vegetation. It prefers dry ground.
Leaves
Heart-shaped, 2-5" (5-12.5 cm) long.
Flower
Clusters of small white flowers form in late summer/early fall.
Seeds
White, fluffy wind-borne seeds are produced in the fall.
Could be confused with:
Two native species, climbing hempvine (M. scandens), which grows in wet areas, and Florida Keys hempvine (M. cordifolia) which has dull leaves with more rounded tips.
Citation
Angelo, C., Cooley, H., Giardina, D., et al. 2019. Everglades CISMA: Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) CISMA and Friends of Everglades CISMA. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/ECISMA/assets/File/ECISMA_plantEDRR_.pdf
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
- Federal Noxious Weeds
- Florida Invasive Plant Council - Plant List - Category II
- Florida Noxious Weeds
- Hawaii Noxious Weeds
- Massachusetts Noxious Weeds
- Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List
- South Carolina Plant Pest List
- Treasure Coast Cooperative Invasive Species Mgmt. Area
- USDA APHIS Regulated Pest List
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: Asteroideae |
| Tribe: Eupatorieae |
| Genus: Mikania |
| Mikania micrantha |
Other System Links
Plants: MIMI5
Bayer: MIKMI
GRIN: 316383
ITIS: 36046
NPDN Pest: PBFCLBC
NPDN Host: 34270
References
Common Name Reference: Weed Science Society of America Common Names List
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.