(Pueraria montana var. lobata)
Kudzu is a fast-growing perennial vine introduced for erosion control and forage. It is most invasive in the southeastern United States, where it spreads rapidly by vines and root nodes. Kudzu blankets trees, shrubs, and structures, blocking sunlight and killing underlying vegetation. Its aggressive growth alters forest structure, reduces biodiversity, and makes control difficult once large infestations are established.