Kudzu, a fast-growing invasive vine originally native to Asia, has been found in 14 counties in New York state, in the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.
Kudzu is a semi-woody vine that has compound leaves made up of three-lobed leaflets that are 2-5 inches long. It can grow to completely cover and shade ground areas and will even climb trees and structures. The vines have bristly orange hairs, and the flowers are red to purple. Learn more about kudzu on the New York Invasive Species Information website.
Due to DEC and partner control efforts, 1/3 of all known kudzu sites in New York currently have no kudzu vines. Twenty-seven sites are considered eradicated, having no plants found for three years, and 37 have had no plants found for one or two years and are still being monitored.
If you think you’ve found kudzu, report it. Take photos of the plant including close-ups of the leaf, vine, and flower or seed (if present). Make a note of the location and an estimate of the size of the infestation. Call 845-256-3111, text 518-320-0309, or email invasiveplants@dec.ny.gov.
