Kudzu
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is an invasive vine that was introduced to the U.S. from Japan. and distributed throughout the South for erosion control. This vine can grow a foot per day and can cover and outcompete native vegetation, causing serious damage to forest ecosystems. It also has the potential to harbor soybean pests and diseases. While primarily thought of as a pest of the Southern U.S., kudzu has been reported as far north as Ontario, Canada.
Kudzu is regulated in Indiana under 312 IAC 18-3-16. This rule prohibits the sale, distribution, movement, and planting of kudzu. In addition, any property owner who is known to have kudzu on their property must take efforts to eliminate this species, consistent with federal and state law.
The DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology works with landowners to reduce kudzu on properties. To report a kudzu site, call 1-866-NOEXOTIC or email DEPP@dnr.IN.gov.
View Kudzu Locations
Identification
Kudzu is a deciduous, climbing, perennial vine, with stems up to 4 inches across. Being in the pea family (Fabaceae), kudzu has similar characteristics to many bean plants.
Flowers
Approximately ½ inch long, purple, fragrant, borne in upright clusters that bloom late summer. Fruits are brown, hairy, flattened pea-shaped pods that may contain up to 10 hard seeds. Image courtesy of Peggy Greb, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org.
Leaves
Alternate, compound, three broad leaflets up to 4 inches across. Leaflets may be entire or lobed with hairy margins.
Spread
Kudzu can expand vegetatively through runners and rhizomes. The vine roots at nodes to create new plants. Kudzu can also be spread occasionally by seed. Spread by seed may be increased where the giant resin bee (Megachile sculpturalis), a pollinator, occurs. This species of bee is native to Asia but has been introduced into the U.S.
Lookalikes
Kudzu can be confused with several native species, including poison ivy, hog peanut, wild grape, and bur cucumber. Wild grape and bur cucumber have simple leaves. There are several native plants in the legume family that resemble kudzu, but their leaves are usually not as large and these plants usually do not have the aggressive growth habit that kudzu has. Kudzu vines often smother trees and ground vegetation, creating a monoculture.
Control
Kudzu is very difficult to control. Some manual options include aggressive mowing and cutting below the node crowns. For chemical control, products with the active ingredient triclopyr are very effective as foliar or basal bark applications. If using chemical control, follow label directions and apply in a manner consistent with federal and state laws.