Presence of Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen & S.M. Almeida ex Sanjappa & Predeep (Kudzu Vine) in Tulsa County, Oklahoma

Abstract

Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen & S.M. Almeida ex Sanjappa & Predeep (Fabaceae; kudzu) is a deciduous perennial vine native to China. An invasive species that has spread throughout much of the southeastern United States, kudzu covers large open areas, overtops forests, and causes significant ecological and economic damage. Oklahoma has seen a relatively minor impact from kudzu, and previous research indicates a limited (less than 0.04 hectare) presence in Tulsa County. We describe a previously undocumented population of kudzu covering over 6.5 hectares in Tulsa County. We determine the age of this population and its rate of expansion. Documenting and mitigating kudzu populations will likely become increasingly important to protect Oklahoma’s native biodiversity.