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The noxious weed spreads, and it smothers vegetation.

October 8, 2021

2 Min Read
Red hailstone has a golden flower and heart-shaped leaves
GOLD FLOWERS: Red hailstone has a golden flower and heart-shaped leaves. Photos courtesy of Minnesota Department of Agriculture

In its ongoing series of articles to educate residents about noxious weeds, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently shared information about red hailstone, or Thladiantha dubia.

Red hailstone is a herbaceous vine named for the red fruit on female plants. The vines grow vigorously to climb over other vegetation, enabling red hailstone to dominate. It smothers native vegetation and has been problematic in agricultural fields.

Within the United States, red hailstone has been found in Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York and Wisconsin. Minnesota infestations are in Linwood (Anoka County), Watertown (Carver County), Fergus Falls (Otter Tail County), Orrock Township (Sherburn County) and Stillwater (Washington County). Native to Asia, the vines may have been planted here as a vegetable or ornamental, but then the vines spread.

This vine is also known as goldencreeper for its golden flowers. Flowering is from July to September. Flowers have five petals fused at the base to form a tube. Curling tendrils attached to the stems help the vines to climb. University of Wisconsin Extension produced this helpful identification video Goldencreeper (Thladiantha dubia): A listed invasive plant in Wisconsin.

Red hailstone foliage

If you find red hailstone in Minnesota, report it to MDA by calling 651-201-6000; or note the location and email photos of the leaves, flowers, and infestation to [email protected].

Learn more about MDA's Arrest the Pest program. Read previous Weed of the Month features by MDA.

Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all of its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

 

 

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