Mikania, Genus, scandens, Species,
- Genus & species
climbing hempvine
Overview
Mikania scandens is a herbaceous, twining perennial vine in the daisy family, native to eastern North America. Slender stems climb 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 m) over shrubs and fences by twining, dying back to the rootstock each winter in colder areas. The opposite leaves are triangular to heart-shaped, 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, with toothed or lobed margins and long stalks. From midsummer into autumn it carries dense, flat-topped clusters of small flower heads, each about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across with pinkish-white to dull white disc florets and no ray florets, followed by tiny seeds tipped with white bristles for wind dispersal. It grows in wet ground along marshes, swamps, ditches, and stream banks, and tolerates seasonal flooding. The fast-twining stems can smother low vegetation, so it spreads aggressively in moist, fertile sites and needs room or containment in the garden.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from the eastern United States and southeastern Canada south to Florida and Texas, and into the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. It grows in wetlands, marsh edges, and moist thickets, mostly at low elevations.Suggested Uses
Used on trellises, fences, and arbors in rain gardens, pond margins, and naturalized wetland plantings, and as a nectar source for pollinators. Its rapid spread makes it less suited to small or formal beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 15'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
