What Is Kudzu?
Kudzu covers over seven million acres of the Deep South. However, it is not a native plant. It originates from Japan and China, where the ground root has been a common ingredient in foods and medications. Eventually, the Japanese introduced kudzu to the United States in 1876, at the Centennial Exposition in Pennsylvania.
American gardeners fell in love with the large leaves and sweet-smelling blooms, and used them for decorative purposes. It was then discovered that animals would eat kudzu. During the Great Depression of the 1930's, kudzu was used for erosion control. Today, people have found many uses for the versatile plant.
Kudzu fairs better in the South than it does in its native lands. In fact, the climate in the Southeastern United States is perfect for kudzu. During summer months, the vines grow as much as a foot per day. Under ideal conditions, kudzu can grow sixty feet each year!