Kudzu is an exotic weed in Illinois. The Illinois Exotic Weed Act prohibits the sale or distribution of this plant in Illinois. Kudzu is also a noxious weed in Illinois. The Illinois Noxious Weed law mandates that each landowner controls the spread of and/or eradicates this plant from their land. This vine spreads through horizontal rhizomes that can sprout new growth, as well as runners (stolons) that grow new root systems from the vine. It commonly grows in disturbed sites such as roadsides, abandoned fields, riparian zones, and the edge of forests. The plant was introduced from Japan as an ornamental and for erosion control, and today is found in the Midwest, South, and Northeast regions of the United States.
The quick and easy spreading habits of kudzu allow the vine to develop dense infestations. This characteristic restricts other plants’ access to the sunlight, nutrients, and space that they need for growth. Research has indicated that the vine may also have allelopathic properties, which is the ability to modify the soil in its favor, making it difficult for nearby plants to survive. Additionally, the plant’s nitrogen-fixing habit has signaled a possible rise in ozone levels and decrease in air quality in infested areas.
A good alternative would be Italian clematis (Clematis viticella), for its similar qualities and physical properties. There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of kudzu. More desirable species may be found using the online Search Trees and Plants page of the Arboretum website. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on this species, and ensure that this plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.
- Family (English) Pea
- Family (botanic) Fabaceae
- Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10
