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Kudzu, Vine-that-ate-the-South - Pueraria montana


Family: Fabaceae - Pea family Genus Common Name: Kudzu Native Status: IntroducedDicot Perennial Vine
Pueraria montana - Kudzu, Vine-that-ate-the-South. Originally imported from Japan in 1876 in a effort to fight erosion, this plant is one of our earlier ecological nightmares, especially in the southeastern United States. Up until the early 1950s farmers were encouraged to plant Kudzu as a ground cover in area subject to erosion. Due to its extremely invasive nature, It is now recognized and officially listed as a noxious weed in many states.

Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV

Check here for more information about Pueraria montana.
Pueraria montana

Distribution of Pueraria montana in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-September-16Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
Nikon D60
The fragrant blossoms of Kudzu grown in elongated clusters.
Pueraria montana
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-September-16Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
The form of the blossom clearly shows its membership in the Pea Family.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Pueraria montana
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-September-16Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Three large leaflets are lobed in Pueraria montana var lobata, the variety that was introduced to and has spread in the United States.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Pueraria montana
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-September-16Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
This photo shows the choking growth of Kudzu, and how it got the name "the vine that ate the South."
Click on the photo for a larger image
Pueraria montana
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Pueraria montana initially published on USWildflowers.com 2011-01-09; Updated 2015-06-25

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