Skunk Vine (Paederia foetida): Invasive, Smelly, and Hard to Control

An insidious vine appeared in pine straw, smells like kimchi/skunk/gym shoes, grows a foot every two days, roots as it travels, chokes plants, and dies back in winter but returns aggressively. What is it and how to stop it?

Identification: Skunk Vine

This is skunk vine (Paederia foetida), also called "human gas" vine in Asia. A rampant invader known in Florida, now appearing in Georgia.

Control

• Pull vines wearing disposable gloves.
• Spray un-pullable foliage with non-selective herbicide (glyphosate/Roundup) or organic alternatives.
• A biocontrol beetle is under study but years from availability.

Warning: Avoid social events after handling—odor lingers!

See: Biocontrol for Skunk Vine | Skunk Vine

skunk vine

skunk vine

skunk vine