Kudzu

Kudzu, long semi-woody vine (Pueraria thunbergiana) belonging to the pea family. Kudzu is common to the southeastern United States, where it was introduced in the 1800s from Asia. It can grow to 60 ft (18 m) and has broad leaves. The pealike purple flowers have a yellow patch on the upper petal and smell like grapes. Kudzu has been used as a decorative porch vine, as food for livestock, and as ground cover to prevent soil erosion, but it grows so quickly out of control that it is most often treated as a weed. A fine white flour can be made from the peeled and washed roots.