Where is the kudzu from?

Answer 1

Kudzu is an invasive, introduced, fast-growing vine that is a member of the pea family. It climbs trees, fences, buildings, etc, and trails across the ground to quickly take over property. It chokes out anything else that is in its way and can eventually pull down trees due to the added weight. It can grow one foot per day and the vines will root as they spread across the ground. Gardeners joke about having to grease the kudzu to prevent grass burns on the tender growing shoots. The root system is extensive and hard to kill off. It has not turned out as useful as originally hoped.

One of the issues about its spread was that there were no natural controls here. Apparently, the Japanese Kudzu Bug heard of the feast and made its way to Atlanta - and it seems to be having an effect.

There is an interesting 2015 article from the Smithsonian Magazine: smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/true-story-kudzu-vine-ate-south-180956325/

The article disputes the claim of millions of acres being covered by the vine.

=======================

Kudzu was an introduced species in the late 1800's. it was mainly used to feed farm animals and to reduce soil erosion. it was introduced in the southern United States. Young men were paid to grow this plant, they would make 8 dollars for every acre they grew.Now that it covers over seven million acres of the south there are a lot of people working to get rid of it!

Answer 2

Kudzu grows pretty much anywhere it can find to grow. This includes parts of China, Japan, and southern parts of America. Kudzu is normally used as food for animals and humans.

Answer 3

Kudzu is an aggresive spreading vine which has single, broadly ovate leaves, grows up to 7 feet tall, and is nearly impossible to eradicate. Its scientific name is Fallopia japonica.