How Did Kudzu Spread

Kudzu spreads primary by runners (vegetative shoots) that root at the nodes; spread by seed is rare. Kudzu rapidly grows over anything in its path, and commonly covers entire mature trees in a blanket of vines.

How did kudzu spread to the US?

Kudzu was intentionally introduced to North America by the Soil Erosion Service and Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s for the purpose of controlling soil erosion in the American Southeast. When kudzu was first introduced in the southeast, it was initially used as an ornamental vine to shade homes.

How does kudzu propagate?

Secondly, kudzu propagates easily by stems and vegetative growth, even without roots. Furthermore, each cutting can grow 10 to 25 feet in the first spring and summer, growing as much as 60 feet per season after three years. … The newly formed Soil Conservation Service lauded growing kudzu as a means of erosion control.