kudzu

Also known as Japanese Arrowroot, Foot-a-Night Vine

Kudzu is a fast-growing perennial vine capable of smothering entire forest canopies, structures, and utility poles under dense blankets of foliage. It spreads rapidly through ground runners and extensive tuberous root systems that sink several meters into the soil. In mid-to-late summer, it produces clusters of fragrant, grape-scented purple flowers tucked beneath large, hairy, three-lobed leaves.