Origin:
A native vine found in the states east of the Mississippi and in Minnesota, but not generally in the extreme southern states.
Biology:
Considered an endangered plant in Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee, but a very common and somewhat invasive roadside and forest plant in some other areas. A perennial plant that grows vine-like over the soil or over other vegetation, often to the point of covering other plants.
Identification:
This vine is found in forested environments. The reddish stems are weak and twining and may be many feet in length. Leaves are distinctly heart shaped, shiny green to yellow-green, and up to 3 inches in length. The flowers are borne in elongated clusters about 3 to 4 inches in length, on stalks that arise from the base of the leaves. Each flower is white and small, with 5 rounded petals.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Normally these plants occur in habitats where they are not a noxious problem, and control will not be needed. If they do occur where not wanted a systemic herbicide will be effective, but the application would need to avoid other vegetation on which the vines grow.
