Kudzu is an invasive species in Florida:
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What it is
Kudzu (Pueraria montana) is a fast-growing, invasive vine that’s native to Asia. It was introduced to the United States in 1876 as an ornamental plant.
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How it affects Florida
Kudzu can:
- Block sunlight: Kudzu can grow large masses that block sunlight, killing plants and trees.
- Damage crops: Kudzu can damage crops like soybeans, lima beans, and green beans.
- Harm ecosystems: Kudzu can harm native plants, insects, and animals, which can lead to species extinctions and loss of biodiversity.
- Block sunlight: Kudzu can grow large masses that block sunlight, killing plants and trees.
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Where it’s found
Kudzu is found in many ecosystems in Florida, including scrub, sandhill, swamps, and bottomland forests. It’s most common in the Panhandle.
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How it’s controlled
Kudzu can be controlled with:
- Herbicides
- Targeted grazing by livestock
- Cutting into the node or crown with a handsaw and treating with a high concentrate (20-50%) glyphosate based solution
- Herbicides
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What it’s listed asKudzu is listed as a noxious weed by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and as a Category I invasive plant by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). It’s illegal to introduce, multiply, possess, move, or release kudzu in Florida.
