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Pueraria spp.
kudzu
Overview
Pueraria is a genus of about 15 to 20 species of fast-growing, twining and trailing vines in the pea family (Fabaceae), native to eastern and southeastern Asia and the Pacific. The genus is widely known through kudzu, P. montana var. lobata, a vigorous climber that can grow 30-60 feet (9-18 m) or more in a single season. Stems are woody at the base and bear large leaves divided into three broad leaflets, each 3-7 inches (8-18 cm) long, often lobed. In late summer the vines carry upright clusters of fragrant pea-shaped flowers in reddish-purple to violet, with a scent likened to grape, followed by flat, hairy pods. Thick, starchy tuberous roots store energy and let the plant regrow rapidly after cutting. Several species, including kudzu, are listed as noxious or invasive weeds in the United States and other regions, where they smother trees, structures, and other vegetation. The genus roots from nodes and runners, making established stands difficult to remove. Some species are grown in Asia for edible starch, forage, and traditional medicine.
Native Range
Pueraria is native to eastern, southern, and southeastern Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia, with some species in the Pacific islands. Plants grow in forest margins, thickets, disturbed ground, and along streams. Kudzu has become widely naturalized and invasive outside its native range, especially in the southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Outside its invasive range and where permitted, Pueraria species are grown in Asia for edible starch (kudzu root), livestock forage, erosion control, and traditional medicine. The vines have been used for quick summer screening, though this use is discouraged where the plants are invasive. Fiber from the stems has been used for cloth and cordage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 60'
Width/Spread10' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
reddish-purple to violetFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Pueraria grows in full sun to part shade in a wide range of soils and is extremely vigorous, tolerating heat, humidity, and drought once its deep roots form. Because kudzu and several relatives are invasive and spread rapidly by runners, rooting stems, and seed, planting them is restricted or prohibited in many areas. Where any species is grown, hard containment and regular cutting are needed to control spread, and root fragments left in the soil resprout. The genus fixes nitrogen and can grow in poor soils. Cultivated Asian species used for food or forage are managed by repeated harvesting. Removal of established stands usually requires repeated cutting or other sustained control over several seasons.Pruning
Pueraria tolerates and regrows quickly from hard cutting. Repeated cutting through the growing season is the main way stands are kept in check or reduced. Cut material and root crowns are removed, as pieces left in contact with soil can root.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons