Kudzu an Invasive Plant

It is known that people tend to change the world around them, such as experimenting with plants. However sometimes in their efforts to make the world a more beautiful place turmoil can occur. Such is the case with invasive plants. An indication of this is the fact that the US spent well over $100 million in dealing with invasive plants.

Often these invasive plants are new comers to the ecological scene, which give them an advantage over native plants. These plants are exhibit a pronounced ability to reproduce and spread rapidly in this new environment. The end result of this invasion can lead to decimation or even total destruction of native plants and even threaten the whole ecosystem.

One of these invaders is kudzu, which is probably the most notorious and detested. Kudzu was imported with the intention to be used to work wonders in healing land destroyed by recurrent planting of King Cotton. It did serve the purpose as intended the only thing is that it didn't stop. It spread like wildfire and "ate" everything in its path. This plant thanks to its deep roots and exceptional tenacity, kudzu is almost impossible to eradicate.

I must admit that kudzu has some positive qualities. It first over accomplished its original use and serves as food for various types of wildlife throughout the year. The tender tips make a decent ingredient in quiche, the vines can be woven into baskets and wreathes and the blossoms produce a delicate jelly. Still, it is considered the "bad boy" of invaders.