Kudzu
Pueraria lobata
| Common Name: | Kudzu |
| Scientific Name: | Pueraria lobata |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Growth Form: | Herbaceous or woody vine |
| Native Range: | |
| Invasive Range: | Most common in the mid-Atlantic region of the |
| Introduction: | Kudzu was introduced for soil conservation. It escaped from cultivation and naturalized. It spreads both through seed, and by shoots that develop from its roots. |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Alternate; compound. Three leaflets, up to 18 cm long (8 in.) and 12 cm (5 in.) wide. Leaflets spade-shaped. Two leaflets perpendicular to a third growing directly out of stem. Perpendicular leaflets attached by short stalks. Hairy.
·Stem: When young, covered in tan or orange hair. Becomes woody with age. ·Flowers: Reddish, 2-2.5 cm (1 in.) long, on 10-20 cm (4-8 in.) stalk. Present July through September. ·Fruit: Flat, hairy pod. 4-5 cm (2 in.) long. Seeds kidney-shaped, 3-4 cm (1.5-2 in.) long. |
| Threats: | Kudzu forms dense stands that shade out native vegetation. It spreads incredibly fast, growing 10-30 m in just one growing season. |
| Fun Facts: | Kudzu was used to cover aircraft landing sites during WWII, because it grows so quickly. |
Leaf
Inflorescence