Common weeds at a glance

The woody kudzu vine spreads very rapidly: in some regions, it can cover as much as 60 feet each year. A deep-rooted perennial, it's most common in the Southeast, but it also grows in the mid-Atlantic states. Its heavy, hairy brown stems twine over shrubs and trees; it can kill the plants it climbs by blocking sunlight from them with its large leaves. It spreads by seed and by rooting stems.

Control is difficult. Cut the shoots back and cover the area with a dense mulch, such as several layers of landscape fabric, for several growing seasons.

For chemical control, apply an herbicide in late summer, using a product containing glyphosate or triclopyr (take care to avoid contact with any desirable plants).