Kudzu - Pueraria montana (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Control)

Kudzu

Also known as: Japanese arrowroot, Gan ge teng, Puerariae lobatae radix, Radix puerariae lobatae, Fen ge, Ge gen, Kudzu bean, Kudzuvine root, Mealy kudzu, Pueraria radix, Puerariae flos, Radix puerariae, Thing-ba, Japanese, Fenge, Kudsu, Kudzubohne, Kuzu, Pueraria

Although it does have many uses, the kudzu is mostly known as a problematic weed that has the ability to quickly overtake other species and crowd them out. Kudzu can be used for food for both animals and humans, although this is more common in certain cultures than others. If bees lack other food sources, they will use kudzu as a food source, which creates a runny, purple honey.

Scientific classification

Species

Kudzu (Pueraria montana)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Vine

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

Brown

Fruit Color

Red, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Kudzu

Distribution of Kudzu

Distribution Map

Kudzu is native to Asia, found predominantly in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and parts of the Indian subcontinent. It has been introduced to various regions across the globe, largely in tropical and subtropical zones of different continents including Africa, South America, and parts of Oceania. In its introduced range, kudzu often establishes itself firmly, sometimes becoming invasive.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Thickets, thin woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

One of the fastest-growing plants in the world, kudzu is usually avoided by gardeners for its aggressiveness, but is still selected for its fast growth, toughness, and pretty, scented flowers. It can be used as a ground cover in difficult terrain or when fast coverage is needed, but is safest when grown in containers and kept pruned.

Symbolism

Threat of foreign invasion, unstoppable urges of nature.

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Weed Control

Kudzu is a climbing vine weed that grows across much of the eastern and central United States, but it is most aggressive in the southeastern states. It grows best in sunny areas like fields, forest edges, and along roadsides and is considered an invasive plant species in the United States. It is a federal noxious weed, illegal to plant in many areas, including Missouri where it may not be grown or sold. Problematically, kudzu's large leaves are capable of smothering and eliminating entire plant communities. It can kill trees simply by growing over them. Monthly close mowing can starve the roots or use repeated herbicide applications.

How to Control It

The best season to control or remove kudzu is late summer or early fall, before it starts to produce seeds and spread further. Effective organic or DIY methods include:

Hand Pulling: Simply put on a pair of gloves and start pulling the plants out by the roots. Make sure to dispose them off properly and not leave any roots behind as they can sprout new plants.
Smothering: This method entails covering the kudzu plant with thick plastic or any other opaque durable material. Leave it there for a season to deprive the plants of sunlight causing them to die.
Persistent Mowing: Regular and diligent mowing at the beginning of the growing season can help control the growth of kudzu. Repeat this process every 2-3 weeks to keep kudzu in check.
Vinegar Spray: A homemade vinegar based weed killer can be sprayed directly onto kudzu. The acetic acid in the vinegar will help kill the plant. Simply mix a couple of cups of vinegar with a few drops of dish soap, put into a spray bottle and apply directly to the leaves of the plant. Repeat this process every other day until the plant dies.
Goat Grazing: Goats eat almost everything and enjoy grazing on kudzu. If you have access to goats, it's a natural and fun way to get rid of kudzu. Just let them loose on the infested areas and they'll munch it right down.

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Quickly Identify Kudzu

Purple to reddish-purple flowers, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, in clustered arrangement on 7-inch (18 cm) stalks.

Hairy, elongated legume fruit, 1.5-5 inches (3.8-12.7 cm) long, housing up to 10 seeds.

Thick stem, over 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter, densely covered with distinctive yellow hairs.

Medium-sized leaves with pinnate veins, vibrant green color, hairy texture on both surfaces, lobed leaflets.

Vigorous vine plant with broad, ovate leaflets of up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide, capable of rapid growth.

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Care Guide for Kudzu

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Kudzu thrives in humid climates with moderate moisture and exhibits drought resistance. Watering should occur every three weeks to prevent over-saturation. Commonly grown outdoors, kudzu is suitable for naturalizing in areas with seasonal rains, managing well during dry spells.

Propagation: Kudzu propagates best in Spring using tubers. This method is moderately easy, with successful signs being new shoots and leaves. Adequate moisture is essential during the initial growth phase for optimal results.

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Images of Kudzu

Distribution of Kudzu

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Kudzu

Care Guide for Kudzu

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