Now it forms a quintessential part of the landscape and the folklore of the ‘American South’. Since its original introduction into the region Kudzu has proliferated exponentially, creeping well beyond its intended purposes. In the south eastern United States, the plant grew exceptionally well, due to the parallels in humidity and heat levels to its native climate. The leafy green vine blooms with sweet smelling purple flowers and was originally marketed as an ornamental way to shade porches and later was used industrially, as a cover plant preventing soil erosion, and as high-protein cattle fodder. The plant was brought intentionally to North America in the late 1800s for its aesthetic qualities and agricultural dexterity. Kudzu is a parasitic plant species, native to Asia but invasive to North America and Europe.