Kudzu

Leaves.  Key characteristics: alternate, trifoliate and may have two or three lobes.

Petioles are as long or longer than the leaves themselves.

Young stems are covered with dense copper-colored hairs.

The underside of the leaves are covered with hair.

Flowers.  Flowers occur in racemes, have a grape-like aroma and purple petals.

Kudzu is a very aggresive-growing vine and may grow up to one foot per day under ideal conditions.

Habitat.

Kudzu regenerates new shoot growth in the spring of the year from a vast underground root system.

Images courtesy of Dr. Gary Lesoing, University Outreach and Extension Regional Agronomy Specialist and Dr. Chris Starbuck, MU Extension State Horticulture Specialist.

Life cycle: perennial.