Mikania scandens - Climbing hemp weed

Over four hundred species of Mikania are native to warm regions around the world. This species is native to the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It is a low-growing vine that scrambles over vegetation in sunny, moist sites. The slender stems twine around supports. Its leaves are irregularly heart-shaped and arranged in pairs along the stem. Small white flowers are held in rounded clusters. It dies back to the ground in winter. This plant is recorded as a component in traditional native American snakebite treatments.

This native vine is not available in local nurseries. It is not as ornamental as commercially available vines. It does not climb tall but scrambles over low vegetation. Probably, it is viewed as a weed in most yards and gardens. However, it is appropriate for a natural garden and its flowers attract a wide variety of pollinating insects.