Resembles : Native bittersweet, trumpet creeper, and Virginia creeper.
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Origins: Kudzu was first introduced to the U.S. from China/Japan in the early 1900’s for erosion control and livestock feed.
How to Identify: • Climbing, semi-woody vine • Leav es are alternate and compound, with three Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, broad leaflets Bugwood.org • Leaflets may be smooth or deeply lobed (2-3) with hairy margins • Fragrant, purple flowers are small and bloom in long, hanging clusters
Where to Look: Kudzu prefers to grow in locations where sunlight is abundant, such as forest edges, abandoned fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org When to Treat: Mowing and cutting are best done early in season.
Kudzu: Mechanical Treatment
Mowing Cutting • Repeated mowing or weed eating is • Vines and runners are chopped to most successful when plant is mowed ground lev el, and pieces are burned. close to the ground. • Most effectiv e early in season and when • Most mowing is only successful when repeated at two-week intervals (this immediately followed by herbicide weakens the crown and prevents application. resumption of photosynthesis) • Cutting DOES NOT KILL ROOTS, and is only used to control the spread
Forest & Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, For successful long-term control, the Bugwood.org extensive root system must be destroyed Important: Always follow instruction on herbicide labels for concentrations needed and how to mix herbicides. Kudzu: Chemical Treatment • Foliar treatments can be made with all listed herbicides o Most effective when done in the fall to improv e amount of herbicide in the roots.
• For climbing vines, cut section near ground and then brush a 25% solution of either glyphosate or triclopyr onto cut stump. Remaining area should be foliar treated.
John D. Byrd, Mississippi State • Picloram is commonly recommended to control University, Bugwood.org kudzu, however it is a restricted herbicide and requires an applicators license.
• Repeated applications will be necessary as new leaves emerge Herbicide Information
Treatment Methods: Mowing, Cutting, Burning, Foliar Spray
Recommended Active Ingredient : Glyphosate, Triclopyr, Metsulfuron methyl, Picloram, or Clopyralid
Johnny Randall, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Bugwood.org The label is the law: Follow label instructions when mixing & applying any herbicide. Important: Always follow instruction on herbicide labels for concentrations needed and how to mix herbicides. Additional Information for Herbicide Use
For information on how to read herbicide/pesticide labels please see: http://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/24.Pesticidelabel.pdf
For information on basal bark, broadcast soil, cut stump, dormant spray, or foliar spray application of herbicide please see: http://anr.ext.wvu.edu/r/download/108632
For information on Hack and Squirt(Stem Injection), Foliar Spray, Basal, or cut stump application of herbicide please see: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag245