Kudzu is a coarse, high-climbing, twining, trailing, perennial vine.

It has hairy, dark brown stems up to 15 metres long.

It forms large root tubers up to two metres long and 18 cm to 45 cm wide that can weigh as much as 180 kg on old plants and can reach a depth of one metre to five metres.

Leaves are alternate with three leaflets (hairy on both surfaces) 8 cm to 20 cm long and 5 cm to 19 cm wide, usually slightly lobed (unless in shade).

Flowers are pea-like, pink to purple with yellow centres, highly fragrant and borne in long hanging panicles (10 cm to 25 cm long).

Kudzu is dispersed by wind, animals, human activity and water. Vegetative spread by rooting stems and movement of vegetative parts (stem segments or tubers) in soil is also common.

Kudzu grows in most shaded areas in mountains, fields, along roadsides, thickets, and thin forests.

It can be problematic in all habitats, except aquatic. It can form dense thickets, quickly shading out trees and other vegetation.

It is relatively drought tolerant and will grow in a wide range of soils. Once established on a site, kudzu can be difficult to eradicate.

Kudzu thickets can be difficult for humans and certain animals to navigate.

It is a native of north Asia, including Japan and was introduced into Australia as an ornamental plant and pasture legume.