Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)

• Fast-growing, deciduous, perennial vine
• Grows up to one foot per day
• Completely covers vegetation and structures
• Vines are 1 to 4 inches thick
• When young, stems are covered with stiff bronze hairs, becoming woody when mature
• Roots are fleshy with taproot up to 12 feet deep 
• Reddish to purple, erect, pea-like flowers 4 to 8 inches long with a grapefruit-like smell
• Blooms mid-summer through early fall 

Photos courtesy of the Oregon Department of Agriculture