State conservation officials are sounding the alarm after the first confirmed spotting of the invasive mile-a-minute weed in Maine.

The discovery was made at a private residence in Boothbay Harbor, according to the department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry. A landowner found the plant while clearing weeds.

The fast-growing invasive vine is native to Asia and the Philippine islands. It derrives its name from its ability to grow up to six inches a day or 25 feet in six-to-eight weeks.

Mile-a-minute threatens nurseries, Christmas tree farms, reforestation projects and restoration areas because it smothers young plants under its dense growth, according to the department.

It is one of 33 plants listed on the state’s do-not-sell list, which hitchhike on nursery stock and spreads rapidly.

The state is asking the public to report any sightings to Invasives.MNAP@maine.gov or at (207) 287-7545.

"The timely reporting of invasive plants is crucial to our efforts in safeguarding Maine's natural areas," state horticulturalist Gary Fish said in a news release. "With the public's support, we can respond rapidly and take necessary measures to eradicate any other mile-a-minute weed plants in the area."

Mile-a-minute has triangular leaves, spikes of pea-sized blue fruits and barbs along the stems and leaf margins. The vine also has circular leaves clasping the stem beneath each fruit spike.

The Maine Natural Areas webpage provides identification information.

Click here for more information on mile-a-minute and other invasive plants threatening Maine’s ecosystem.