Kudzu: The Vine That Ate the South

The following article is submitted by the Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District.

Kudzu is present in both Accomack and Northampton counties. It is a perennial, trailing, or climbing vine that forms a dense stand of identically colored plants growing on or around everything in its path. During the peak growing season, it can grow at a rate of up to a foot a day. Kudzu has the ability to out-compete and eliminate native plant species. Its extremely rapid growth rate and ability to grow over objects threatens natural areas by killing native vegetation through crowding and shading. Tens of thousands of plants may inhabit a single acre of land.

Kudzu can seriously inhibit agricultural and timber production. In addition to its growth, kudzu is host to the kudzu bug. In the spring these feed extensively on kudzu, legumes, wisteria and some vetches. In July and August the bugs will move into soybeans causing yield losses of up to 60 percent.

Kudzu grows in a variety of habitats and environmental conditions but does best on deep, well-drained, loamy soils. Almost any disturbed area is suitable habitat for this vine. Kudzu usually spreads but sending out stems and in all directions from the root crowns, with new plants beginning every 1 to 2 feet at stem nodes.

When identifying kudzu, look for trifoliate (3) leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. Leaflets have tiny hairs on the underside and margins. Stems are hairy and yellow green when young and harden off to a grey woody stem that may be up to 10 inches in diameter. Leaflets are ovate (eggshaped) and may a have a smooth or lobed margin.

While not extensively established on the Eastern Shore, there are patches that should be eradicated before it becomes a more extensive problem. More information can be found at dcr.virginia.gov.