Climbing hempvine (Mikania scandens) is a perennial climbing vine in the aster family. This vine produces clumps of white and pink flowers. It has been used to restore wetlands environments in the Florida everglades. However, in some areas climbing hempvine is considered invasive.
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Weeds
Weed or not
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Early fall
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Harvest Time
2.5 m to 3 m
Plant Height
8 cm to 15 cm
Spread
Deciduous
Leaf type
10 - 41 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate
On This Page
Images
Attributes
Distribution
Weed Control
Care Guide
FAQs
Images of Climbing hempvine
Attributes of Climbing hempvine
Growth Rate
With a rapid growth rate, climbing hempvine exhibits vigorous summer growth. This hastened pace translates into a noticeable proliferation in leaf coverage and an impressive height increase during the period, often saturating the structures it clings to. Rapid growth might also result in earlier blossoming. In other seasons, growth rate may vary.
Distribution of Climbing hempvine
Distribution Map
Climbing hempvine is a plant primarily native to parts of North America and the Caribbean. Over time, it has been introduced to various regions across Central Africa and South Asia. Its establishment in non-native areas highlights its adaptability and potential as an invasive species, successfully inhabiting multiple continents beyond its original range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Thickets, swamps, banks of streams
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Weed Control
While climbing hempvine is not typically considered to be a weed in its native range (North America), it can become invasive or weedy in regions where it has been introduced. This includes counties in Asia and Oceania as well as the state of Hawaii, which is outside its native range. It can sprawl over and shade native vegetation. Furthermore, it grows rapidly, releases toxins into the soils, and can reproduce both vegetatively and sexually. Avoiding disturbance along waterways can prevent the spread of climbing hempvine. Grazing and applying herbicides can be used to manage unwanted populations of climbing hempvine, while methods that don't remove the roots are unlikely to be effective.
How to Control It
The best season to remove climbing hempvine is early spring before it starts to produce flowers and seeds. Here are some methods for climbing hempvine control:
Manual Pulling: Start by waterening the soil to make it softer and more pliable. Wear gloves and pull out climbing hempvine by firmly gripping it near its root base. Do this repeatedly until it's fully removed.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the plants in your garden. This will smother climbing hempvine and prevent it from receiving the light it needs to grow.
Vinegar Spray: Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with one part water. Spray this directly onto climbing hempvine on a hot, sunny day, this will dehydrate and kill the plant.
Regular Mowing: Regularly mow or cut down climbing hempvine before it goes to seed. This will prevent the plant from reproducing and spreading.
Goats: If available, use goats. They love to eat climbing hempvine and can clear large areas of it quickly.
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Care Guide for Climbing hempvine
Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
10 - 41 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water:
Originating from swampy habitats, climbing hempvine thrives in high humidity and requires regular watering every week for optimal growth. It can tolerate short dry spells and benefits from outdoor conditions where natural rainfall supports its moisture needs, aligning care with its native environment.
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