NPSpecies

Data Source: White and Pyne 2003

Native Range: Native to southeastern Asia from India, China, and Japan, perhaps also Malesia (Starr et al. 1999). (Weakley 2007); Data Source: http://plants.usda.gov, 10 August 2007 Legacy NPSpecies information may no longer be applicable, please remove if it is not applicable. In legacy NPSpecies Weedy value was Yes with comment: It is now notorious as a weed (Weakley 2007) In legacy NPSpecies Pest value was Yes with comment: Natureserve I-Rank: Medium. I-Rank Reasons Summary: This species is notorious for forming dense canopies that smother and shade out all vegetation underneath it. It also fixes nitrogen, and therefore may alter nutrient dynamics. Although widespread throughout southeastern U.S., and also found in parts of the northeast and in Hawaii, kudzu is rarely significant in areas of high conservation value. It is typically but, not exclusively, found in low quality disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Its impacts in natural riparian areas, forest edges, and its ability to spread into areas such as the Everglades should continue to be monitored. Kudzu's ability to spread is currentlly somewhat limited by lack of pollinators. This species is very hard to manage, but repeated herbicide application or mechanical controls can control it.

Park Species Data Source: Rogers 2000; White and Pyne 2003