Where is kudzu from

Botanists have described three distinct varieties of this species, which are recognized by differences in their flowers and fruit. One of these varieties, Pueraria montana var. Kudzu was exhibited in at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition and seven years later at the New Orleans Exhibition. Seed became available from U.

Kudzu was touted as a fast-growing, ornamental vine for shading porches and courtyards and an inexpensive forage for livestock. In the s and 40s, kudzu was widely promoted as a means of controlling soil erosion and adding nitrogen to the soil.

The federal government distributed kudzu and provided subsidies to encourage farmers to plant it, and it was also planted on public lands by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

By the s, folks began to realize the economic and ecological impacts of this aggressive, invasive vine. Kudzu spread across the southern part of the country, smothering roadside forests, farmland, houses and anything else in its path.

Today, it is found as far north as Massachusetts and Michigan, and occasional infestations are reported in the Pacific Northwest, but it is most problematic in the American South. Kudzu covers an estimated 7. While kudzu is not nearly as common or widespread in Florida as it is in neighboring states, it has been documented from over 40 Florida counties across the state.

It is most frequently encountered in the Panhandle. In early s, it was recognized and promoted as a forage crop and planted throughout the southeastern U. In the s and s, the Soil Conservation Service paid southern farmers to plant kudzu to reduce soil erosion on deforested lands, resulting in over 1 million acres being planted.

In , it was listed as a federal noxious weed by the U. Distribution and Habitat Kudzu occurs primarily in the eastern U.

Infestations have also been reported in North Dakota and Oregon. Kudzu grows well under a wide range of conditions and in many soil types. Preferred habitats are open, sunny areas like forest edges, abandoned fields, roadsides and disturbed areas.

James H. Miller's Kudzu Eradication and Management paper. The best way to fight invasive species is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Instructional Material. Though its name makes it sound heavenly, the invasive tree of heaven is no angel. Learn all about this devilish invader. Wild garlic mustard is a highly destructive invasive species in the United States, but anyone can help stop its spread.

Back To Top. Stories in Indiana Kudzu: The Invasive Vine that Ate the South Kudzu looks innocent enough yet the invasive plant easily overtakes trees, abandoned homes and telephone poles.

After 3 years, produces purple or red flowers Edible? Kudzu leaves, flowers and roots can be eaten. The root should be cooked. What is kudzu?

Kudzu Kudzu takes over the side of a bridge. While sometimes its leaves are oval-shaped, other times they look like this, with lobes. Learn more about invasive species Learn more. What problems does kudzu cause?