Invasive Plant Management in the North Carolina Sandhills
Pueraria montana - kudzu
Semi-woody,
aggressively climbing perennial vine that is capable of growing a foot
per day, extending 60 feet a year, and reaching up to 100 feet in
length. Kudzu's rapid growth can threaten native vegetation and forests
through competitive crowding and shading effects, disrupting the
balance of natural communities. The vine can climb and cover other
vegetation; and is capable of smothering, girdling, breaking, and
uprooting trees. Kudzu should be cut or mowed late in the growing
season and the plant material should be removed from the area and
destroyed. Herbicide should be applied to the cut stems. The type of
herbicide used depends on the landscape and its uses. Burning after the
herbicide has killed the kudzu may assist native plants in colonizing
the site. This procedure will need to be repeated for 4-10 years.
