BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine — The discovery of an invasive plant has raised alarm as a "significant threat" to Maine flora.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry said in a news release Tuesday that the discovery of the highly invasive vine called Persicaria perfoliata or the "mile-a-minute" weed was confirmed at a private residence in Boothbay Harbor after the landowner reported it.
"This fast-growing invasive vine, native to India, Asia, and the Philippine Islands, poses a significant threat to nurseries, Christmas tree farms, reforestation projects, and restoration areas, as it can smother young plants and trees under its dense growth," the release stated.
The common name for the plant stems from its ability to grow at a rate of nearly 6 inches per day or 25 feet within six to eight weeks and is identifiable by its "distinctive triangular leaves, spikes of pea-sized blue fruits, and recurved barbs along the stems and leaf margins," according to the release.
The mile-a-minute weed is among 33 plants listed on the Maine agency's do-not-sell list and is known to hitchhike on nursery stock and spread quickly.
The agency asks that people be on the lookout for the plant and to take a photo, note the location where it was seen, and report findings by emailing invasives.mnap@maine.gov or by calling 207-287-7545.
"With the public's support, we can respond rapidly and take necessary measures to eradicate any other mile-a-minute weed plants in the area," Gary Fish, the state horticulturalist, said in the release.
