Kudzu

kudzu1.jpg (36405 bytes)      kudzu2.jpg (66127 bytes)kudzu10.JPG (48219 bytes)

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

kudzu7.jpg (60772 bytes)

Petioles are as long or longer than the leaves themselves.

kudzu3.jpg (66263 bytes)      kudzu5.jpg (65461 bytes)

Young stems are covered with dense copper-colored hairs.

kudzu4.jpg (51166 bytes)

The underside of the leaves are covered with hair.

kudzu16.JPG (309913 bytes)      kudzu17.JPG (326533 bytes)

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

kudzu6.jpg (47555 bytes)

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

kudzu8.jpg (93424 bytes)  kudzu11.JPG (65018 bytes)

kudzu12.JPG (71577 bytes)

Habitat.

kudzu15.JPG (76596 bytes)     kudzu14.JPG (89089 bytes)

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.