About kudzu (Pueraria lobata)
Life cycle
Deciduous, perennial, invasive vine
Growth habit
Can grow up to 100 feet and can engulf entire trees; broad trifoliate leaves may be lobed or entire
Reproduction
Massive root system spreads vegetatively; flowers pea-like, lavender-purple, in clusters produce viable seeds
Conditions that favor growth
Common along roadsides, abandoned fields, and non-crop areas; does not tolerate cultivation or repeated mowings
Cultural control
Remove vegetation before it escapes and covers desirable plants, if possible; keep area cultivated or mowed to keep growth under control
Additional resources
Invasive Vine and Groundcover Control
Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
(PDF) Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas
Still have a question? Contact us at Ask Extension.