Alabama's unofficial Kudzu Trail, as designated by us, is State Highway 41 between the cities of Selma and Monroeville. For approximately 40 miles, through Dallas, Wilcox and Monroe Counties, dramatic views of kudzu can be found in various locations, but is probably most scenic between the Cities of Camden and Monroeville. Some think it's quite attractive, but to landowners in the southeast, it is an expensive and major problem. The mere mention of kudzu to a homeowner, farmer or rancher in the Southeast is likely to bring a response of disgust! In the climate of the southeastern US, kudzu thrives, reportedly growing up to several feet in length per day in some regions. It drapes over trees and other vegetation. Old barns, farmhouses and utility poles are also enveloped by it. It is quite common for a person to see kudzu and wonder what is under it.

Kudzu was first brought into the US from the Orient in 1876 where it was introduced at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. It was promoted as a forage for livestock and as an ornamental plant. From a time during the 1930s through the 1950s farmers were encouraged to plant it to help prevent soil erosion. It prevented soil erosion extremely well, but it just kept on growing!

In its earlier days in the US, it was not the problem that it is today. In those days most farms had livestock that loved the stuff, so it was kept in check. But, as time went by more and more people moved to the cities and kudzu was left to take over the land, which it also did very well! It now grows in many places, largely in the Southeastern US, but as far north as Illinois and New Jersey. Its natural environment within the US covers a region from East Texas to the Atlantic coast. Finally in 1953, someone in the Department of Agriculture took a look and declared kudzu a pest weed!

Kudzu is not a totally useless plant, however. From it can be made a pleasant tasting jelly, soaps, lotions and compost. Harvard Medical School was studying it in hopes of producing a medication that would help subdue alcoholic cravings. Weavers make baskets from the vine. It is used for livestock feed.

Since its introduction into the US, kudzu has gone from being the answer to many problems to being the problem, itself.

NOTE: We've covered only one road in Alabama; there are many roads that can give you views of kudzu, some quite spectacular. All states in the southeastern US have kudzu trails. It's pretty stuff to look at - well, if it isn't on your land!! - Wilson Jay