Davey Tree Flipbooks

26 KUDZU (Pueraria montana var. lobata) PLANT DESCRIPTION Kudzu, or "Vine That Ate The South," is an aggressive, fast- growing broadleaf perennial climbing vine that can be seen in summer in massive colonies. Kudzu is capable of taking over large areas, which includes growing over signs, guardrails, to the tops of trees, and over structures. LEAF: Leaves are dark green on top and light green or whitish on the underside. Young leaves are covered in hairs, older leaves are hairless. Leaves grow in groups of three with each leaf or leaflet having one to three lobes and a smooth leaf margin. STEM: Kudzu has a large, twisting main stem at ground level that can become woody and thick, spreading outward or upward up to 100 feet. Younger stems are green and also covered in hairs. FLOWER: Attractive clusters of purple flower spikes are often hidden from view under the dense leaves. Unopened flower buds are covered in soft brown hairs. SEED: By early fall, green soybean-shaped seed pods are produced in clusters and are covered in hairs. Most seeds fall below the parent plant but are not known to readily germinate. REPRODUCTION: The roots and vine shoots of kudzu are the primary means of reproduction. Kudzu roots are tuberous, storing enough energy to send out new shoots if the aboveground portion of the vine is injured. WHY IT IS NOXIOUS: Kudzu is a fast-growing and highly-aggressive vine that can cause major maintenance concerns along the roadway. Kudzu has the ability to cover and overtake open areas, trees, guardrails, and signs. SEASONAL IDENTIFICATION WHEN TO FIND: Kudzu is easily found in the summer as a large mass of leaves and climbing vines. In the fall, it is most noticeable when its leaves change color from green to yellow. SPRING IDENTIFICATION = EASY Remnant patches of kudzu leaf-out late in spring. Leaves emerge from perennial root crowns or overwintered vines. Leaves grow in groups of three and are covered in hairs. SUMMER IDENTIFICATION = EASY Massive colonies are easily spotted carpeting open areas and surrounding vegetation. Leaves and stems are covered in coarse brown hairs. By late summer, purple flower spikes bloom. FALL IDENTIFICATION = EASY Hairy bean pods are found in hanging clusters. Individual pods resemble soybeans. Leaves turn dull yellow in fall. WINTER IDENTIFICATION = EASY TO MODERATE Kudzu will persist as a vine stem through winter. The vine stem is easily seen covering other vegetation. SIMILAR-LOOKING SPECIES GRAPEVINES (Vitis spp.) when left unmaintained can grow into comparable masses, but its single leaf has a toothed margin and is hairless. Fruits are bunches of small grapes and vines have peeling bark. SOYBEAN (Glycine max) leaves grow with similar-looking three leaflets but without lobes on margins. Soybean grows as a short, vertical, single-stemmed plant. Fruit form is a pod with about three seeds. MOONSEED VINE (Menispermum canadense) has a single leaf that looks similar to a kudzu leaflet but its fruit is a very small peach-like fruit that is green when young and blue to black when ripe. LOW HIGH ohio distribution roadside distribution growth seeds ability to dominate difficulty of control WHERE TO FIND: Kudzu is not prevalent in Ohio but has been seen in southern Ohio and neighboring states. Kudzu prefers full sun, dry fields, or sunny openings near wooded areas. Kudzu can climb over all other vegetation including trees and has the ability to form large dense mats that are easily noticed at a distance. Kudzu's rapid growth rate can allow it to grow over rails, signs, and other structures and encroach the roadway. CONTROL METHODS: MECHANICAL: Mow to provide clearance when necessary. Expect rapid regrowth after mowing. CHEMICAL: Make directed applications to kudzu with selective residual herbicide in the spring to late summer while leaves are still green. Expect regrowth. CULTURAL: Heavy grazing by goats and other similar livestock can reduce the health and vigor of kudzu colonies. RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY: Kudzu is an aggressive, fast-growing perennial vine that is difficult to control. Accomplishing complete control may take several seasons, so be persistent. For best control, make herbicide applications from spring to late summer while kudzu is actively growing. Use herbicide with residual activity at maximum labeled rates. Repeated low mowing can weaken kudzu, but it is time consuming. Kudzu should only be mowed to maintain visibility, not to provide control. Expect rapid regrowth after mowing. Intensive grazing can also weaken kudzu, but will most likely not provide complete control. Failure to control kudzu will allow this highly aggressive, fast-growing species to quickly overtake landscapes, vegetation, fixed objects, or open wooded areas. perennial RIVM LEVEL OF CONCERN

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