SALEM, Conn. -- A vine invasion is overrunning parts of the state, officials said.

But University of Connecticut officials and the state Department of Environmental Protection have begun a new initiative to tackle the invasive weed, called mile-a-minute.

Mile-a-minute, or persicaria perfoliata, grows at a rate of about 6 inches per day and can hinder the growth of bushes and trees, according to UConn officials. They said it destroys local species, interferes with forest regeneration, disrupts normal ecosystems and can smother small seedlings of other species.

"Some things are invasive like that," said Chris Lasaracina, of Salem Country Gardens.

First found in 2000 in Greenwich, mile-a-minute has since been identified in 15 Connecticut towns, 10 of which in the past two years, including North Haven and Lyme.

UConn and the DEP are asking the public to keep their eye out for the triangular-shaped leaf, prickly stems and fast-growing, fibrous root system of the weed.

Plant expert Rob Lasaracina, of Salem Country Gardens, said the weed is difficult to destroy.

"Basically, you have to kill it with brush killer and hope for the best at that point," he said.

For more information, visit UConn's Web site, where you can also Report a sighting.