Mile-a-minute weed, an invasive weed from eastern Asia, has been found for the first time in Iowa.
A concerned landowner in Marion County requested identification assistance with a vine that was growing on the edge of a wooded area near a garden, where the weed was identified as the invasive species. Lane Kozel, deputy weed commissioner for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, tells KNIA/KRLS News the weed is a vine that grows extensively and can reach up to 20 feet long, it latches on to other plants, and really likes direct sunlight and will grow as high as need be to get it.
Kozel also said that the plant being found in Iowa seems to be an outlier, as it is normally found on the east coast.
“Although this was my first encounter with mile-a-minute weed, it was easy to see why the plant is considered a threat,” according to Bob Hartzler, ISU weed scientist. “This infestation was less than a quarter acre in size, but it was crowding out existing vegetation. The weight of the plant was pulling down a stand of miscanthus, a species known for establishing monocultures.”
Seed can be spread birds, rodents, and humans. Seeds can also move with water, especially from infestations along a stream. Human-assisted movement can deliver seeds to new sites with alarming speed. Movement of soil containing seeds via potted plants or equipment with soil attached is common in infested states.
It appears the infestation had been present for at least five years, thus there will be a large seedbank present. Studies have shown seed can survive for at least eight years, and management will take a long-term commitment.
Credit: kniakrls.com
