The above photo of a 'Kudzu Landscape' by photographer Bobby Potts is just one scene of many like this across the southeastern U.S.  Kudzu is not actually a native plant to this area, nor to the United States.  It was introduced here in 1876 by the Japanese government . . . as a gift, in a beautiful garden they made in Pennsylvania and filled with their native plants.

There is no denying its beauty -- very large, ornamental leaves and sweet-smelling blossoms made it a plant that gardeners wanted.  The problem with kudzu is that it grows too well . . . the southeast United States is the ideal climate for growing it, and the Japanese did not bring along any of its natural insect enemies to help control it.  Ideally, this amazing vine can actually grow up to one foot a day, and from 60 to 100 feet in one growing season.

While the vines are great in helping to prevent erosion, and they are a very good forage food for some wildlife and livestock, they can be quite devastating to forest lands by completely choking out young trees, and preventing mature trees from getting enough sunlight.

It is now estimated that kudzu covers over seven million acres in the deep South, and although there are a lot of people working on ways to control or get rid of it, you may be amazed at the uses others have found for it.  It's definately a "love it" or "hate it" relationship. But, for better or worse,  it's here to stay.  Like it or . . . not.

For some amazing photos of kudzu doing what kudzu does, visit
Kudzu ~~ The Vine

Cooking with kudzu . . .
Try some kudzu blossom  Jelly and Syrup
Recipes for quiche, casserole, cocktail, and more at  y'all.com
Kudzu fried chicken and cider are at  Southern Delights
And this sounds delightful . . .  Kudzu Tea

The strength and durability of the kudzu vine makes it great for crafters . . .
For even more on our amazing kudzu . . .
All About Kudzu
Kudzu Kingdom
The Amazing Story of Kudzu
Invasive Alien Species - Kudzu
Kudzu Covers Dixie Like The Dew