Kudzu
Photo by Kerry Britton, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Images
Common Name: Kudzu
Scientific Name: Pueraria lobata
Origin: Asia
Description
Kudzu is a climbing, woody, perennial vine that has the potential to reach up to 100 ft. in height. Alternately arranged leaves are compound with three leaflets. The vine is yellow-green to grey in color, and may reach a thickness of 10″ or more in diameter. Kudzu has purple, highly fragrant flowers that are borne in long, hanging clusters. Its brown, hairy, flattened seed pods are produced from September to January.
Habitat
Kudzu typically grows along field edges, roadsides and near river corridors. It colonizes quickly through prolific growth along the ground and into tree canopies.
Threat
Appointed as “the plant that took over the south,” kudzu is notorious for growing over anything in its path. It easily out-competes other native plants as it covers them and blocks out sunlight. Kudzu will also girdle and uproot trees and shrubs as it grows. In some instances, it has been reported that kudzu can grow as much as a foot per day once established.
Management
Because of its aggressive growth and extensive root system, repeated herbicide treatments are most commonly used to control kudzu.
Distribution
Not Present
WNY PRISM Priority
Tier 1 – Raise Awareness
NYS Invasive Species Tiers Chart – Tier Definitions
