Vines are gregarious and intertwine intricately as they wander. Kudzu can colonize and thrive in exposed bare areas where other plants are unable to survive. Vines grow between fifty and one hundred feet in a typical growing season. Leaves Kudzu is deciduous and during the winter vines appear dead. Leaf production during each growing season is prolific.
Leaves grow in a pattern of three from each strong, relatively short stem.
The stems are three to seven inches long and firmly anchored to the vine. The leaves develop a lush, dark green color on top with a silvery underlining. At maturity, they measure up to twelve inches high and sixteen inches wide and are covered with a coat of fine hair. They are heavy and the silver can be seen only by touching them or when the wind blows. Oblivious to normal wind, the stems and leaves remain on the vine until fall.