Kudzu

Add An Image | See All

Plant Description

Kudzu is a vine, native to SE Asia.  These vines can grow up to 30 cm (12 in) per day resulting in them taking over large areas and causing much damage.  They were activily planted in many areas up until 1953 when they were placed on the US Noxious Weed List.  They are now naturalized in most of the SE, as far west as Texas, and up the East Coast into Maine.  It can also be found in Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.  This plant is also causing problems in Austrailia.

The plant will do well in areas where the temperatures rarely drop below -15°C (5°F). The only way to kill it is to completely remove the root crown.  If any of the crown is left, it will grow again.  Kudzu cannot continue to grow from the root of vine, so removing the crown and burning it is the surest way to destroy the plant.

Food

Like many weeds, kudzu does have uses.  The non-woody parts of the plant are edible.  The leaves can be used in salads, the roots can be eaten like other root plants, and the flowers are often battered and fried.  The roots can also be ground and used for medicine, or as a substitute for arrowroot.

Dangers: This plant is considered an invasive weed in some areas
Propagation Method: Rhizome | Seed
Life Cycle: Perennial
Bloom Color: Purple
Average Height: 30 Meters
Average Width: 30 meters

Planting Requirements

Hardiness Zone: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Other Useful Sites

Add A Site