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Kudzu question

pollinator

Posts: 280

Location: near Athens, GA

posted 7 years ago

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Does anyone know the Latin name for the variety of kudzu that is "the vine that ate the south"? There seem to be 4-6 cultivars, and I am curious which type was introduced here decades ago that grew so abundantly.

"Them that don't know him won't like him and them that do sometimes won't know how to take him... he ain't wrong, he's just different and his pride won't let him do the things that make you think he's right"

Clinton Hitch

Posts: 23

Location: North Georgia 7a

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posted 7 years ago

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Pueraria ("Kudzu" aka "Japanese Arrowroot") that were introduced in the US back in the 30s are thought to have been a hybrid of two or more of the common species found overseas: P. montana, P. edulis, P. phaseoloides, P. tuberosa.

It's a great plant in many ways, all parts are edible as far as I know and I have seen honey bees forage its nectar. It's also a nitrogen-fixer and "Oh, did you know they are great at erosion control?"

Wj Carroll

pollinator

Posts: 280

Location: near Athens, GA

posted 7 years ago

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I am considering growing some, in a very controlled way considering that I am in the South... perhaps even in containers. I want to learn about it as a food and experiment with it, cut and dried, as a mulch. Can you recommend a variety? I am most interested in the biomass potential, since I will need A LOT of mulch to get started on my next property.

Karen Donnachaidh

gardener

Posts: 1508

Location: Virginia (zone 7)

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posted 7 years ago

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Here's an interesting National Geographic article on some of kudzu's other uses including basket weaving, paper and cardstock, it's roots being used as a drug to treat alcoholism, fabric dye, jams, jellies...(link).

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