Japanese Arrowroot Pueraria montana var. lobata

Kudzu is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine in the pea family (Fabaceae). It is native to eastern Asia but was introduced in the US in the 19th century to prevent erosion, enrich soil, and provide animal forage. It has escaped, naturalized and become a horrific weed. Other varieties are found in Asla, but this is the variety found in the SE United States.

It grows along riparian areas, rights-of-way, fields and roadsides. Kudzu prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils in the full sun. It aggressively colonizes by growing along the ground and up and over tree and shrub canopies, killing plants by shading them out. These reproduce vegetatively through stolons and by rooting at almost every node that makes contact with the soil. They also form a large tuberous rootstock that is difficult to kill.  

This plant is not recommended for any landscape purpose in the south. Do not plant it. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mature stands of the vine are particularly difficult to manage. It seems to have no diseases or insect pests that might reduce the vine’s vigor.