Kudzu

Kudzu

Kudzu is a very aggressive and invasive introduction to the US. A native of Asia, it was introduced as forage crop in 1876. It is estimated to cover 2 million acres in the southern US. It now spreads from Florida to Texas, Nebraska to New York and is also found in Oregon and Washington State. Kudzu is now listed as a Category 1 invasive species and has been reported to grow up to 1 foot per day. Kudzu will grow over anything in its path (other plants, cars and buildings). It will girdle and kill mature trees due to its vining habit. Kudzu is a climbing, semi woody perennial that can reach up to 100ft. Stems can grow to almost 4in and stumps to 12in. The leafs are borne in threes and up to 4in across with hairy margins. The lavender flowers are very fragrant and produce brown, hairy seed pods. The plant is thought to spread via runners, rhizomes and vines that root. Kudzu has a massive tap root of up to 7in. in diameter and 6ft.long weighing a reported 400lb.

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