BOSTON -- An invasive vine that grows six inches a day threatens to smother plants in communities throughout Massachusetts and damage roads and bridges, state officials said Thursday.

The Mile-a-Minute vine, which is also known as Devil's Tail, was first discovered in Falmouth in 2006. It has now been found in several towns spanning the breadth of the state from Erving in western Massachusetts to Middleborough in the southeastern part of the state.

The vine can quickly cover large areas and smothers other plants by depriving them of sunlight.

The plant is distinguished by its perfectly triangular leaves, barbed stems, and clusters of metallic-blue berries. It quickly scrambles over fences and other structures.

"It is especially important that we keep it off guardrails and other essential safety infrastructure. We also have to make sure it does not compromise the integrity of our roads and bridges," said Highway Administrator Luisa Paiewonsky.

The first records of Mile-A-Minute in North America are from Portland, Ore., in 1890 and then in Beltsville, Md, in 1937, according to the National Park Service. While the plants in both locations were eradicated, it later spread from a nursery in Pennsylvania when its owner allowed it to grow.

It has now been found in 11 states.

While isolated patches of the vine are treated with herbicide or pulled out by property owners or state volunteers, tiny beetles – called weevils -- are being used at the sites of larger infestations.

Six-thousand weevils have been released by the state in Canton and Falmouth in the past several months. Officials will now monitor their effectiveness in killing the plant.

Several private organizations have joined federal and state agencies in an effort to control or eradicate the vine.

"Behind habitat loss, invasive species present the second greatest threat to native wildlife and plants," said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin.

The state has established a reporting website where people can submit potential sightings and upload photos of the suspect plants.