Kudzu

Kudzu flower up close. Purple / pink flower

Scientific name: Pueraria montana var. lobata

Description

  • Perennial vine that can grow up to 30 centimetres a day in summer
  • Fleshy roots and massive taproot up to 1.8 metres long
  • Compound leaves with three broad leaflets, each up to 10 centimetres across
  • Leaves dropped during winter in South East Queensland
  • Flowers are purple-pink, fragrant, about 1 to 1.5 centimetre long on spikes
  • Pods are brown, flat, hairy, 5 centimetres long, containing 3 to 10 small, hard, oval seeds.

Problem

  • Out-competes and smothers native vegetation and tree crops
  • Can damage buildings, overhead wires and other structures.

Weed status - restricted matter category 3

Includes weeds, pest animals and noxious fish such as gambusia, dingoes and yellow crazy ants.

You must not distribute this restricted matter.

Due to its potential to cause serious economic, environmental or social harm, these weeds are regulated by Council.

We have an annual inspection program for properties in Logan.

Council has the authority to issue a Biosecurity Order to properties with category three restricted matter.

Control method

Foliar Spray

Herbicide is diluted with water at a specific rate, and sprayed over the foliage to point of runoff.

Most suited to shrubs, grasses and dense vines less than six metres tall.

Manual and Mechanical Removal

Manual control uses hands or hand tools to control weeds.

This can be an effective control as it can minimize soil disturbance and can instantly remove the entire weed.

Mechanical control suits larger infestations, using power tools and machinery to reduce the bulk of the problem.

Mechanical control can include slashing, mowing, dozing, harvesting, and felling.

Herbicide warning

Before using any herbicide always read the label carefully and ensure that the chemical is registered for use on the target weed. All herbicides must be applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label.