Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Description: Kudzu is a non-native deciduous woody vine that can reach lengths of 100 feet. It was introduced from Asia in the early 1900s for erosion control and livestock feed but has rapidly spread throughout the southern United States. It is present in Ohio but not throughout the entire state.
Habitat: Occurs along right-of-ways, stream banks, around and in forests, and in pastures. Kudzu forms dense mats over the ground, debris, shrubs and mature trees.
Leaf: Alternate leaves with two leaf forms - three-lobed or 3 separate leaflets, each leaflet may be 7" long and 8" wide. Leafstalks are hairy with a swollen base, and up to 12 inches long.
Stem: Kudzu stems can be ropelike or may have woody rough bark; vines may be up to 10" in diameter.
Flower: June to September. Kudzu produces slender clusters of pea-like flowers spiraling up the stalk, opening from the base to top. The flower petals are lavender to wine colored with yellow centers.
Fruit and seeds: clustered dry, flattened legume pods bulging with seeds. Seeds are green with stiff golden-brown hairs.
Roots: Kudzu has large, semi-woody tuberous roots. These roots can reach depths from 3' to 16'.
The problem is…Kudzu is an invasive species that can out-compete our native vegetation. It is a fast grower and has the potential to harbor pests of crops and humans. It threatens our forest and waterways because of its ability to smother other vegetation.
