Climbing Hempweed (Mikania Scandens)
Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Group: Dicot (Broadleaf)
Very hardy climbing herbaceous perennial vine, which can grow up to 10 feet long, native of North America. It climbs by leaning on objects and is commonly found in moist and wet areas.
Leaves are simple, coarse, hairy, triangular-ovate with 2 or 3 large bumps or teeth on the margin, 6 inches long, 4 inches wide. Petioles are shorter than the leaf blades. Leaf shape is like Ipomea species.
Stem is branching, ranging from smooth to hairy. Nodes root when in contact with the soil.
Flowers are small, pinkish to purplish and occasionally white. Fruit is an achene. Seeds are dispersed by wind, clothing, or animal hair.
Root is a taproot.
Propagation is vegetatively from broken stem fragments and rooting from nodes on the stem. It can reproduce sexually although vegetative reproduction is more important.