How to Identify Kudzu
Look for trifoliate leaves, or formations with 3 leaflets attached at each node., Look for egg shaped, medium green leaves., Touch the leaves to see if they are fuzzy., Look for long vines covered in small, brownish bristles that trail across the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Look for trifoliate leaves
All 3 leaves will be attached to the stem on their own petiole, or stalk.
The central leaf's petiole will be about 3/4 inch (19 mm) long, while the 2 outer leaves have much shorter petioles. -
Step 2: or formations with 3 leaflets attached at each node.
Generally, the central leaflet will have 3 lobes, or rounded projections.
The outer 2 leaflets often have 2 lobes.
However, kudzu's lobe structure can vary, with many leaves having no lobes at all.
Leaves can grow quite large, often to about 5 or 6 inches (12
- 15 cm) long. , Kudzu leaves have very small hairs, making them fuzzy to the touch. , The key characteristic of kudzu vines is their tremendous growth rate; they can gain a foot (30 cm) of length per day in peak conditions.
Kudzu can often be seen entirely covering tall trees, utility poles, or other structures.
As they mature, vines may become thick and woody.
Kudzu vines are capable of climbing nearly any type of support, and will also snake across the ground, rooting at each node. , Kudzu produces flowers in late summer, usually in August or September in the southern United States.
The flowers form a cluster (called a raceme) that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) high and emerge from the central petiole of a leaf arrangement. , Kudzu produces small seed pods, usually about 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
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Step 3: Look for egg shaped
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Step 4: medium green leaves.
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Step 5: Touch the leaves to see if they are fuzzy.
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Step 6: Look for long vines covered in small
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Step 7: brownish bristles that trail across the ground
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Step 8: climb any vertical surface
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Step 9: and form dense bunches of foliage.
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Step 10: Look for purple or reddish purple flowers arranged in clusters.
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Step 11: Measure the seed pods with a ruler.
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Step 12: Look for hairs covering the seed pods.
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Step 13: Cut open a seed pod and check that the seeds are small and kidney shaped.
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Step 14: Look for seed pods that are greenish-bronze
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Step 15: fading to a dull brown when dried.
Detailed Guide
All 3 leaves will be attached to the stem on their own petiole, or stalk.
The central leaf's petiole will be about 3/4 inch (19 mm) long, while the 2 outer leaves have much shorter petioles.
Generally, the central leaflet will have 3 lobes, or rounded projections.
The outer 2 leaflets often have 2 lobes.
However, kudzu's lobe structure can vary, with many leaves having no lobes at all.
Leaves can grow quite large, often to about 5 or 6 inches (12
- 15 cm) long. , Kudzu leaves have very small hairs, making them fuzzy to the touch. , The key characteristic of kudzu vines is their tremendous growth rate; they can gain a foot (30 cm) of length per day in peak conditions.
Kudzu can often be seen entirely covering tall trees, utility poles, or other structures.
As they mature, vines may become thick and woody.
Kudzu vines are capable of climbing nearly any type of support, and will also snake across the ground, rooting at each node. , Kudzu produces flowers in late summer, usually in August or September in the southern United States.
The flowers form a cluster (called a raceme) that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) high and emerge from the central petiole of a leaf arrangement. , Kudzu produces small seed pods, usually about 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
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About the Author
Janet Hernandez
Janet Hernandez has dedicated 5 years to mastering humanresources. As a content creator, Janet focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
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