The Nature Conservancy - JWN

Such a Pretty Pest

Though many will agree that the blooms of kudzu plants (above) are mighty pretty, the upheaval it may cause to the rest of your garden isn't. Kudzus are known as an invasive for a reason; please do not sell, buy or grow kudzu or any other invasive plants.

The Many Uses of Kudzu

While most Hoosiers can't see the benefits in having invasive species on their land, many Southerners have embraced Kudzu and its many uses.

Kudzu leaves have been incorporated into recipes, their flowers into jellies and the vines have been dried to create baskets and other home accessories. Another use has been proposed recently - kudzu as feedstock for biofuel.

Some call it amazing, others call it a menace. Either way, Kudzu - a creeping, climbing perennial vine - is an invasive specie that is terrorizing native plants all over southern east United States - Indiana included.

Attack of the Killer Kudzu

Kudzu - or kuzu (クズ) - is native to Japan and southeast China. It was first introduced to the United States during the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 where attendees marveled at the sweet-smelling blooms, large leaves and sturdy vines of what was touted as a great forage plant and ornamental for the backyard. Then, in the 1930's through the 1950's, the Soil Conservation Service promoted it as a great tool for soil erosion control and was planted in abundance throughout the south. Little did we know that Kudzu is quite a killer, overtaking and growing over anything in its path.

Kudzu looks innocent enough yet this semi-woody vine grows out of control quickly. It spreads through runners (stems that root at the tip when in contact with moist soil), rhizomes and by vines that root at the nodes to form new plants. Although the plant does seed, it does not reproduce as quickly in this matter. Once established, kudzu grows at a rate of one foot per day with mature vines as long as 100 feet. Known as "mile-a-minute" and "the vine that ate the South", kudzu can easily overtake trees, abandoned homes, cars and telephone poles. Need proof? Check out Georgian Jack Anthony's collection of Kudzu-covered images.

What to do about Kudzu?

Kudzu can out-grow and out-compete native plants and ruin entire forested areas. Efforts to control and manage this invasive plant is necessary in order to ensure the Indiana is overrun by kudzu like it is in the South. According to Purdue University, continuous mowing and grazing - both cattle & goats will eat kudzu - will weaken and eventually control the plant. There are also a variety of herbicides that are used to manage kudzu though results will vary between sites and applications. Indiana's Department of Natural Resources suggests that if herbicides are used to apply in the late summer when the plants are more susceptible to transferring the chemicals into storage organs making it more effective.

For more ways to control kudzu, check out Dr. James H. Miller's Kudzu Eradication and Management paper or Clemson University's guidelines on Kudzu eradication.

If you find kudzu around you, please call 1-866-NOEXOTIC, or contact the DNR Bloomington field office at 812-332-2241.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © TNC kudzu covered woods); Photo © Clint Calhoun (kudzu blossom).