Native to Japan, this vine grows very quickly and is nearly impossible to kill. In its native Japan, kudzu is kept in check by the work of a small beetle that feeds on the plant. However, the beetle doesn't exist in the United States. Without this check on its growth, kudzu has spread in an alarming fashion throughout the Southern states, growing as much as a foot per day in some areas. As it climbs over trees, it blocks the life-giving sun and the trees begin to suffer.
Entire forests are under threat.
The weight of the vines on power and phone lines has caused serious problems for these utilities as lines snap and power is short-circuited. Once started, the vines are very tough to destroy. Their root system is deep and powerful. New vines will sprout from even the smallest stump left after cutting down the vines. The damage caused by this alien has far outweighed the potential benefits provided by its intended use for controlling erosion.