The following is a quote from the Tennessee Journalist ("http://tnjn.com/2008/dec/…"): "Believe it or not, kudzu was not an accidental import. Kudzu was introduced to the United States in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition by the Japanese, who promoted it as an ornamental plant that could also be used to feed cattle. From 1935-1953, farmers were encouraged to plant the vine and were actually paid $8 an acre by the government. The Soil Conservation Service advocated the use of Kudzu to prevent erosion and, with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corp, planted thousands of acres of the vine." Mr. Kelly M. Irvin 10850 Hodge Ln Gravette, AR 72736 USA 479-787-9958 USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 6a/b http://www.irvincentral.com/ Susan B wrote: > I believe Kudzu was imported for erosion control. > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > pbs mailing list > pbs@lists.ibiblio.org > http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php > http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/ > >