Above-ground parts are killed by temperatures much below freezing, and deep freezing of the soil will kill the entire plant. In warm winter areas stems become woody. Kudzu is nearly equal to alfalfa in nutritive value and palatability, both as pasture and cured as hay. It is particularly valuable for covering rough land and gullies where it furnishes both pasture and erosion control. It continues growth until frost so gives a long season for pasturing.
Propagation is by planting sections of the rooted runners with the crowns.
Under good growing conditions a complete ground cover can be attained in 2 to 3 years and will persist indefinitely if not overgrazed or mowed too often.