Kudzu (Pueraria montana (lobata)) is an invasive plant. It is a native of Eastern Asia and was first detected in Southern USA in 1876.
Kudzu was originally imported into the USA as an ornamental plant and one which provided livestock forage and erosion control. This woody vine can grow a foot per day, and can cover and out-compete native vegetation causing serious damage to the forest ecosystem. Kudzu vines often cover trees and all other vegetation creating a monotypic landscape. At present it is covering more than 7 million acres of land in the South. It also has the potential to harbor soybean pests and diseases.
For more information about this plant pest, see the CABI data sheet.