Kudzu - Pueraria montana

Kudzu is a climbing deciduous vine capable of reach lengths of over 100 feet. The stems can grow to 4 inches in diameter and the large semi-woody roots can reach depths of 3 to 16 feet (BROKEN-LINK Miller 2003). Kudzu is easily identified when it grows in a large dense mat of vines, its usual growth form, often totally covering other vegetation, structures, or land. It has three-parted leaves with large broad leaflets, up to 4 inches wide. Purple flowers with yellow centers occur is small clusters. Flowering occurs in June and July.

Kudzu is native to Asia and was first introduced into America in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (Swearingen et al. 2002). It was widely planted throughout the eastern United States in an attempt to control erosion. Currently it can be found at low elevations throughout much of the southern Appalachians. Kudzu’s preferred habitat is open, disturbed areas such as roads, right-of-ways, forest edges, and old fields. It is an aggressive invader capable of growing over 1 foot a day in prime conditions. If left unchecked, kudzu can grow over, smother, and kill all other vegetation including trees. A common site in the southern Appalachians is a hillside or old farmstead that has been completely covered by kudzu, with only the shapes of the trees and buildings remaining visible. For more information and control recommendations, click here.