NC State Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County

Pest Management

Apology to Subscribers: Blog Publishing Error

Please accept our apology for any confusion caused by the premature posting of the Blog on Kudzu.
The version our subscribers received through email was missing a key component, included by the author, a video showing how to remove the crowns of the kudzu plant. In addition, it did not include the additional sources for more information on identifying and controlling kudzu.

The errors with the published article were subsequently corrected.  Unfortunately, for technical reasons, we cannot resend the article as an email.

Photo by James Miller, USDA Forest Service
Kudzu infestation

For your convenience, here is a direct link to the article on our website:  Weed Solutions: What Can YOU Do About Kudzu?

Barbara Hayes, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer and WebMaster

 

Weed Solutions: What Can YOU Do About Kudzu?

Duane-Tate-Kudzu-2.0-Generic-CC-BY-2.0
Kudzu infestation in winter

You know Kudzu (Pueraria montana)—that vine that engulfs anything in its path with a shroud of green leaves? In winter those leaves brown up after frost, but the vines aren’t killed off by the cold. If you think this is only a problem for those caring for highway rights-of-way, be aware that Kudzu is finding new ways to expand its hold and may be growing on a property near you! Don’t worry, though, Kudzu is easiest to control when you literally nip it in the bud (or crown). And after killing frosts is a great time to start the process!

What is the scope of the problem?
Although kudzu was introduced to the United States in the 1800s and recognized as a common weed in the south in 1970, it is now spreading faster and further than

Photo by James Miller, USDA Forest Service
Kudzu infestation in summer

expected. Kudzu is not only a fast grower, adaptable to many environments, but it has amazing defenses against pests and diseases, as well as containing several allelochemicals—substances that can suppress seed germination as well as regrowth of native plants. More recently, the potential range of kudzu is increasing—in part due to climate change—especially in the Pacific northwest and the Great Lakes region.  It is very visible in Buncombe County, along I-40, many back roads, as well as on residential properties in densely populated areas.


How to control kudzu
The good news is there are many ways to control kudzu and they work best on new or small infestations.

Identification.
First, positively identify the plants—links below show photos of seedlings, leaves, flowers, seedpods, and seedlings.
     – Existing kudzu infestations spread rapidly into adjacent areas from root crowns.
     – New infestations may begin from a plant or a few plants that start from seed that matures during autumn months.
          – Seed pods contain only 3 to 10 seeds, and only a few are viable.
          – Viable seeds often germinate years later when the hard seed coat becomes water permeable so be sure to remove any seedpods you find in your landscape when you identify the plants!

Mechanical control.
     – Dig any seedlings or plants as soon as you see them. Don’t hesitate—kudzu can grow a foot a day under favorable conditions!
     – If you find established vines:
          – Cut the vines at the soil level to keep the top growth from climbing further.
          – Mow or cut back all new growth. This may take a concerted effort over months or years!
               – For large areas you may be able to borrow or rent goats and fencing to concentrate grazing on the vines.
               – Although you can dig and remove root crowns during any season—no need to remove the entire root—during the dormant season it is easier to find the root crowns and you can dig in cooler weather!       See the short video clip below for more details.

Herbicide Control.
There are several herbicides recommended for kudzu control in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual. It is important to follow the label! You will need to identify chemicals approved for use in NC, the recommended concentration, and the appropriate time for treatment—most chemicals are recommended for use when vines are actively growing—timing within the growing season may be more targeted, such as before or after flowering. Some chemicals are sprayed, which may be a concern when desirable plants may be at risk from chemical drift. Treating cut stumps of vines immediately after cutting the fresh vines is a technique that can minimize chemical drift and help kill the roots if the infestation is well-established. 

Removing Kudzu

Education
Kudzu is a formidable opponent—by sharing information about identifying and controlling this vine, you can help! If your neighborhood or locality is infested, stop the spread!


Article written by Debbie Green, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer.

For more information on identifying and controlling kudzu:

Details for identification:
Name that Plant: http://www.namethatplant.net/plantdetail.shtml?plant=1171
Weed Id – UMissouri: https://weedid.missouri.edu/weedinfo.cfm?weed_id=236
NCSU Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pueraria-montana/

Controlling kudzu in residential landscapes:
Conserving Carolina article – Get Rid of Kudzu: https://conservingcarolina.org/get-rid-of-kudzu/
Alabama Extension – Kudzu Control in Residential Areas: https://www.aces.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ANR-2168.REV_.Lg_.pd
Missouri DC – Kudzu Control: https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/invasive-plants/kudzu-control
NC Cooperative Extension – Kudzu Invasive and Exotic: https://surry.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/09/kudzu-invasive-and-exotic/
Piedmont EMGs – Controlling Kudzu: https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/controlling-kudzu/
Cornell University Cooperative Extension- Kudzu: https://nyis.info/invasive_species/kudzu/

Additional Video:
Using Goats to Control Kudzu in NC:  https://youtu.be/1XtYE3E7pJw









Non-native Invasive Plants: Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)

Nandina domestica, Cathy Dewitt, (Wake County, NC) CC BY 4.0

As the long-lasting bright red berries form and the dark green foliage turns burgundy in autumn, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) shows off why it is a popular choice for a fast-growing shrub with four-season interest. The fact that these broadleaf evergreens thrive under many different soil, temperature, and light conditions, are deer resistant, and have few insect or disease problems is what makes them problematic as exotic invasive plants!

Nandina invading natural areas. Image by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

What’s the problem?
Landscape disturbance.
Although this Asian native was introduced to the United States in the early 1800s as a desirable ornamental shrub Nandina domestica spreads so quickly from both rhizomes and seeds that it is now invading much of the southeast. Dense clusters of Nandina domestica displace native vegetation and decrease light levels in forested areas.
Bird and mammal impact.
Birds and mammals disperse the hundreds of seeds these shrubs can produce to both developed and natural areas. Nandina berries contain cyanide that can reach toxic levels. Cedar waxwings consuming large quantities of the berries have died from cyanide poisoning. Domestic and grazing animals can also become ill from eating the berries.

Managing Nandina domestica in your garden to prevent its spread
Mechanical
You can hand pull new seedlings, and dig out shrubs, but you must remove all root fragments, so the plants won’t regenerate. Established plant removal is often difficult due to the shrubs’ extensive root systems. If you haven’t yet succeeded in removing mature plants, cut off the white flowers when they have faded before the berries form. If berries are already present, remove and dispose of them in the trash, not your compost pile.
Chemical
If having difficulty removing large shrubs, you can turn to herbicides, which may require several applications. The North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual recommendations for woody plant control include herbicides containing glyphosate and triclopyr. For most effective control of Nandina domestica, the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station recommends foliar wetting with glyphosate mixed with a surfactant only from August to October. If you prefer to cut back the shrubs, use glyphosate or triclopyr mixed with a surfactant painted on freshly cut stumps shortly after making the cuts. To prevent run-off, make these stem cuts level and close to the ground. Always follow the label instructions for determining the application rate (percent solution) for either method.

Replacing Nandina domestica in your landscape
There are shorter, more compact varieties of Nandina domestica that produce few, if any, berries. Examples include ‘Fire Power’ 2 to 2 1⁄2 feet, ‘Gulfstream’ 3 to 3 1⁄2 feet, and ‘Obsession’ 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, respectively. Obviously, these selections won’t fill the same space and purpose as the original shrubs and if they do produce berries, the berries must be removed to prevent seeding. So, what are your alternatives? Many native shrubs can provide attractive substitutes for Nandina domestica. Recommendations for desirable, wildlife friendly shrubs include:

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
  • Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
  • Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)
  • Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
  • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum frondosum)
  • Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
  • Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
  • Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

Article written by Carol Anne Reynolds, Extension Master GardenerSM Intern.

For more information:
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nandina-domestica/
Invasiveness:
http://nc-ipc.weebly.com/nandina-domestica.html
Toxicity:
https://vet.uga.edu/toxicity-due-to-nandina-domestica-in-cedar-waxwings-bombycilla-cedroru/
Native alternatives:
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-verticillata/
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/fothergilla-gardenii/
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-arborescens/
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hypericum-frondosum/
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-glabra/
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/juniperus-virginiana/
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/viburnum-dentatum/
Chemical control:
North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual:
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/north-carolina-agricultural-chemicals-manual
A Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests:
https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/gtr/gtr_srs131.pdf

 

 

 

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N.C. Cooperative Extension
Buncombe County Center
49 Mount Carmel Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Helpline 828-255-5522

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