Kudzu
Pueraria montana
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, Cambodia, Caroline Is., China, Hainan, India, Japan, Jawa, Korea, Laos, Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, New Guinea, Ogasawara-shoto, Palau, Philippines, Russia, Solomon Is., Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Judy Gallagher (www.inaturalist.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Pueraria
- Species:
- Pueraria montana
- USDA Symbol:
- PUMO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Vine
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis), Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, deer
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from extensive root system after fire. Fire alone is insufficient for control due to deep tuberous roots.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in disturbed areas, adaptable to various soil types
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Scarification improves germination rates significantly. Seeds may also benefit from hot water treatment.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI