You’ve probably seen kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) along a highway roadside. This invasive, twining vine can grow up to 100 feet tall, and takes over everything. I’ve read that it can take down utility poles.
Today was the first time I had a chance to get up close to kudzu. It is beginning to flower now. The flower shape and inflorescence (flower arrangement) is kind of like wisteria, but the flowers of kudzu are reddish-purple instead of the lavender on wisteria. The flowers smell like artificial grape flavor you’d find in drinks or candy.
Here is a closer look at the flowers.
Where have you seen kudzu?