Kudzu History: The Vine That Ate The South

Summary

In this episode of 'That Was History,' host Cliff Langston explores the history and spread of Kudzu, a fast-growing vine native to Asia, which has earned the nickname 'the vine that ate the South.' Initially introduced to the U.S. in 1876 for erosion control, Kudzu spread across the Southern states, becoming notorious for its invasiveness. Despite efforts to control it, including government action, machinery, and even goats, Kudzu continues to thrive, covering large areas and causing damage. Cliff humorously discusses the plant's persistence and his own battles with it in his backyard.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Kudzu, native to Asia, is an invasive plant species in the Southern United States, nicknamed 'the vine that ate the south'.
• 📅 Kudzu was first introduced to the U.S. at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia by Japan.
• 🏡 Initially marketed as an ornamental vine, Kudzu was later promoted for soil erosion control and cattle feed during the 1930s Dust Bowl.
• 💸 The U.S. government distributed 85 million Kudzu seedlings and provided financial incentives for its planting.
• 🌱 Kudzu's rapid growth of up to a foot per day and ability to create new roots makes it highly invasive, smothering other plants and trees.
• 🚫 By 1953, the USDA removed Kudzu from its list of recommended cover plants, and by 1970, it was reclassified as a weed.
• ⛔ In 1997, Kudzu was added to the Federal Noxious Weed List, allowing the government to take measures to contain its spread.
• 📉 Recent estimates show a significant reduction in Kudzu's coverage, with the US Forest Service reporting it now covers about 227,000 acres.
• 💵 The economic impact of Kudzu includes annual costs for power companies to repair damages and for its control, amounting to millions of dollars.
• 🐐 Alternative control methods, such as using goats and sheep for grazing, have emerged as more sustainable and effective solutions against Kudzu.

Q & A

What is Kudzu commonly known for in the Southern United States?

Kudzu is commonly known as 'the vine that ate the South' due to its rapid growth and ability to cover large areas quickly.

Where is Kudzu originally from?

Kudzu is native to Asia, specifically Japan, where it was first introduced to the United States in 1876.

How did Kudzu first arrive in the United States?

Kudzu was introduced to the United States by Japan during the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia as a plant for controlling soil erosion.

Why was Kudzu promoted as a solution during the Dust Bowl in the 1930s?

During the Dust Bowl, Kudzu was promoted as a solution to feed cattle and prevent soil erosion in areas suffering from severe drought and poor farming practices.

What was the U.S. government's involvement in Kudzu's spread?

The U.S. government supported the planting of over 85 million Kudzu seedlings and subsidized its use, leading to the planting of more than 3 million acres by 1946.

Why did Kudzu become a problem for farmers?

Kudzu became a problem because it grows rapidly, smothering other plants and trees. Farmers abandoned their fields, leaving Kudzu unchecked, which caused it to spread uncontrollably.

How fast can Kudzu grow under optimal conditions?

Kudzu can grow up to a foot per day in optimal conditions, making it highly invasive.

What action did the U.S. Department of Agriculture take regarding Kudzu in 1953 and 1970?

In 1953, the U.S. Department of Agriculture removed Kudzu from its list of recommended cover plants, and in 1970, it reclassified Kudzu as a weed.

What is the 'Federal Noxious Weed List,' and how is Kudzu related to it?

The 'Federal Noxious Weed List' includes plants that pose serious risks to ecosystems and agriculture. Kudzu was added to this list in 1997, giving the government authority to control its spread.

What are some methods used to control Kudzu, and what challenges do they present?

Machinery, chemicals, and even animals like goats and sheep are used to control Kudzu. Machinery can't always reach affected areas, chemicals may harm other plants, but goats and sheep offer an environmentally friendly solution.