Pueraria montana var. lobata

Kudzu is a deciduous woody vine that occurs along riparian areas, right-of-ways, fields, and roadsides.  It is in the pea family (Fabaceae) hailing from the Pacific islands, eastern and Southeast Asia. In the southeast, this is considered an invasive vine or noxious weed as it aggressively colonizes by growing along the ground and up and over tree and shrub canopies killing plants by shading them out.   These vines climb, coil, and trail reproducing vegetatively through stolons and rhizomes by rooting at almost every node that makes contact with the soil.  They were originally brought to the United States from Asia in the 1800's to prevent soil erosion.  It prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils in the full sun.  The plant is edible and is forage for livestock but has no value to wildlife.  Because it is a member of the pea family it fixes nitrogen so it is competitive in nitrogen deficient sites.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Mature stands of the vine are particularly difficult to manage.  This plant is not recommended for any landscape purpose in the south.  

More information on Pueraria montana.