Kudzu
Pueraria montana
Also listed as Dolichos montanus
Also known as Kudzu Vine, Japanese Arrowroot
Climate Match for your location
See how well Kudzu grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A vigorous twining vine with large trifoliate leaves and fragrant purple flowers in late summer. Highly invasive in many regions; use with caution or avoid in sensitive ecosystems.
Why grow it
Kudzu produces abundant biomass and nitrogen-fixing capacity that can establish quickly on degraded or erosion-prone sites in warm climates. Relative to other vigorous leguminous vines, it offers rapid ground coverage and forage value in regions where it can be reliably contained. However, most permaculture systems find slower-growing, less aggressive nitrogen-fixers preferable for integrated designs.
Watch out for
This plant requires strong structural support and regular pruning to prevent it from overwhelming adjacent plantings. In areas where it grows vigorously, monitor spread into neighboring properties and natural areas, as contained management demands consistent effort across seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Eastern Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A vigorous twining vine with large trifoliate leaves and fragrant purple flowers in late summer. Highly invasive in many regions; use with caution or avoid in sensitive ecosystems.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Kudzu grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Kudzu produces abundant biomass and nitrogen-fixing capacity that can establish quickly on degraded or erosion-prone sites in warm climates. Relative to other vigorous leguminous vines, it offers rapid ground coverage and forage value in regions where it can be reliably contained. However, most permaculture systems find slower-growing, less aggressive nitrogen-fixers preferable for integrated designs.
Watch out for
This plant requires strong structural support and regular pruning to prevent it from overwhelming adjacent plantings. In areas where it grows vigorously, monitor spread into neighboring properties and natural areas, as contained management demands consistent effort across seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Eastern Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.