How to Identify Kudzu

Co-authored by Hannah Madden Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: October 3, 2022 Approved

Kudzu is a plant that is native to Japan, but very prevalent in the southern United States due to its importation as a ground cover in the 19th century. Kudzu is a vine that is noted for its incredibly quick growth; at a growth rate of up to a foot (30 cm) per day, the plant has gained a reputation as a highly invasive species. Learning how to identify kudzu will enable you to recognize a kudzu invasion in your area. This is the first step to keeping kudzu under control. ^{[1]
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Steps

All 3 leaves will be attached to the stem on their own petiole, or stalk. The central leaf's petiole will be about 3/4 inch (19 mm) long, while the 2 outer leaves have much shorter petioles. ^{[2]
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Generally, the central leaflet will have 3 lobes, or rounded projections. The outer 2 leaflets often have 2 lobes. However, kudzu's lobe structure can vary, with many leaves having no lobes at all. Leaves can grow quite large, often to about 5 or 6 inches (12 - 15 cm) long.

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Kudzu leaves have very small hairs, making them fuzzy to the touch.
Look for long vines covered in small, brownish bristles that trail across the ground, climb any vertical surface, and form dense bunches of foliage. The key characteristic of kudzu vines is their tremendous growth rate; they can gain a foot (30 cm) of length per day in peak conditions. Kudzu can often be seen entirely covering tall trees, utility poles, or other structures. As they mature, vines may become thick and woody. Kudzu vines are capable of climbing nearly any type of support, and will also snake across the ground, rooting at each node. ^{[3]
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Kudzu produces flowers in late summer, usually in August or September in the southern United States. The flowers form a cluster (called a raceme) that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) high and emerge from the central petiole of a leaf arrangement. ^{[4]
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Kudzu produces small seed pods, usually about 2 inches (5 cm) in length. ^{[5]
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How do I kill kudzu?

Community Answer

Kudzu is extremely invasive and difficult to kill off. Trimming the foliage and body of the plant down before applying herbicides can help. Make sure you have an herbicide designed for killing kudzu, as not all are the same.

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Is it poisonous if I eat it?

Community Answer

The leaves, vine tips, flowers and roots are edible; the vines are not. The leaves can be used like spinach and eaten raw, chopped up and baked in quiches, cooked like collards, or deep fried. Young kudzu shoots are tender and taste similar to snow peas.

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Do kudzu produce seeds that look like a smallish potato, laying about on the ground? About the size of an egg and bigger.

Community Answer

A kudzu seed is about 1/2 inch in a pod that is two inches, so it probably isn't what you are describing.

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Tips

Kudzu is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter.

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Warnings

Many local governments have laws against intentionally planting kudzu due to its highly invasive nature. Some governments even request that you alert them to the presence of kudzu if discovered.

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How to Identify Kudzu

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