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Alert Weed of the Month: Kudzu

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Councillor Amanda Cooper advises of the Alert Weed of the Month:  Kudzu as featured in the Courier Mail (28 November 2007) and discussed on Australia Talks.

Kudzu is a perennial vine climbing to 30 metres high, or trailing to form dense mats along the ground.  Large trifoliate leaves, occurring alternately along the stem, are dark green and deciduous.  Leaves to 12 centrimetres across have 3 broad leaflets that are entire or lobed with hairy margins.

Kudzu roots are large and fleshy, with massive tubers to 2 metres long and 20 centimetres in diameter, weighing up to 180 kilograms.  Thirty or more stems may grow from one root crown.

Flowering occurs in late summer.  Highly fragnant purple flowers are grape-scented.  They are borne in long panicles to 25 centimetres long with up to 80 individual blooms at nodes on the stems.  Seedpods containing 3-10 hard seeds are brown, hairy and flat.

Councillor Cooper advises "This new Kudzu emerging weed may create serious environmental, social and economic impacts."

"Kudzu grows rapidly, up to 30 centimetres a day in optimum conditions and completely smothers native vegetation under a thick blanket of leaves.  The weed impacts on wildlife through habitat destruction, ultimately reducing native food sources."

"If left untreated, kudzu may completely cover structures such as houses, sheds and vehicles."

"Kudzu may dominate vegetation in natural areas, diminishing the quality of nature-based tourism and recreation."

"Kudzu is declared by Brisbane City council as an environmental weed.  Council may serve a notice on landholders requiring control of this species."

"Kudzu is a species that requires 'early detection and eradication'.  This species is not yet well established across the majority of Brisbane, however it has the potential to cause severe damage if it ever does.  It is effective to seek eradication of infestations, with immediate removal if an infestation is detected."

The best form of weed control is prevention.  Always treat infestations when small and do not allow weeds to become established.

Control measures like cutting, grazing, digging and controlled burning may offer some control against Kudzu.  Burning kills young plants, and offers access to areas of heavy investation.  As all plant parts are edible, grazing may be effective in some situations.  Shading may also be effective in some situations as kudzu requires plenty of sunlight.  Re-establishment of native vegetation can provide a shading effect.  With any method of control, the root system must be completely removed or destroyed to prevent re-growth.

Herbicide is most effective at the onset of flowering, when nutrients are actively transported to the root system.  Before using any herbicide always read the LABEL carefully.  All herbicides must be applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label.  Note:  Some herbicides should only be applied by people trained in the use of agricultural chemicals.

Never dispose of kudzu into local bushland or waterways.  Place the plant or plant parts in a garbage bag or similar, seal it well and put in the general waste bin.  DO NOT PLACE IN THE GREEN WASTE SECTION OF THE LANDFILL or attempt to compost for resuse in the garden.

If you have seen this weed, please contact Council on: 3403 8888 and ask for the Local Laws Environmental Management Team.  Your assistance will help Council to identify where the weed has spread and what management actions are needed to control and remove infestations.

For further information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au, phone Council on: 3403 8888 or contact the Bracken Ridge Ward Office on:  3667 6000 for a Wipe out Weeds brochure on Kudzu.

The Council also advises it is illegal to grow, sell or knowingly allow this plant to spread!

Penalties apply.

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