mile-a-minute weed
ExplorePlants
mile-a-minute weed
Persicaria perfoliata
Mile-a-minute weed is a fast-growing plant that can climb over other plants and fences. It has bright green leaves and tiny, blue flowers that attract butterflies and bees!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The mile-a-minute weed has distinctive light green, triangular (arrowhead-shaped) leaves, often with a dark blotch in the center. Its slender, reddish stems are covered in tiny, backward-pointing barbs, making it feel rough to the touch. Tiny, white, or pale pink flowers appear in clusters at the leaf nodes.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusPersicaria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its unique seeds wear a tiny blue "hat" that helps them float on water!
The plant's stems have tiny, backward-pointing hooks, making it clingy like Velcro!
This plant can grow almost a foot (30 cm) in just ONE day!
Young leaves taste like spinach with a tangy kick and are safe to eat raw!
Special abilities
Ability
Rapid Ascent
Mile-a-minute weed can grow up to 15 cm daily, quickly climbing over and smothering other plants for sunlight.
Ability
Barbed Grapplers
It has sharp, hooked barbs on its stems that help it grip and climb aggressively over any support.
Ability
Floating Seed Power
Its blue-black seeds are buoyant, allowing water to carry them far from the parent plant for dispersal.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-600 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer-fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Self
Ecological connections
eaten by
Mile-a-minute weevil
Rhinoncomimus latipes
Its leaves are eaten by this specialized biocontrol weevil.
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Its small flowers attract various generalist insect pollinators.
eaten by
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Many bird species eat its distinctive blue-black seeds.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Invasive
Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Asian tearthumbDevil's tail
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful not to touch the plant too much, as it can be prickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is mile-a-minute weed?
30-600 cm
How big are the flowers on mile-a-minute weed?
0.2-0.4 cm
When does mile-a-minute weed bloom?
Summer-fall
Is mile-a-minute weed edible?
Yes
Is mile-a-minute weed toxic?
None
What is mile-a-minute weed's lifecycle?
Annual
How is mile-a-minute weed pollinated?
Self
Where is mile-a-minute weed usually found?
Urban areas
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Park58 sightings12 species
Maryland, US
Elk Neck State Park
You might spot Common Pawpaw, Zebra Swallowtail, and Bald Eagle.
View guide →
Park14 sightings12 species
Pennsylvania, US
Harrison Hills Park
You might spot White-Tailed Deer and Mile-A-Minute Weed.
View guide →
Park25 sightings6 species
Virginia, US
Scotts Run Stream Valley Park
You might spot Red Clover and American Tuliptree.
View guide →
