skunk vine (Paederia foetida) is an invasive species in Florida:
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OriginNative to Asia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced skunk vine to Florida in the late 19th century as a potential fiber crop.
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ImpactSkunk vine is a fast-growing vine that can climb trees or trail along the ground. It can form thick masses of vegetation that can cover acres, smother understory plants, and damage or kill trees.
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RegulationSkunk vine is a Category 1 invasive species in Florida, which means it is illegal to sell, import, grow, propagate, or transport it.
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ControlHerbicides are one of the most effective ways to control skunk vine. You can also try mechanical methods like digging out the roots or cutting the vine from a tree.
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DistributionSkunk vine is most common in west-central Florida, but it has also been documented in other parts of the state and in other states.