It’s that wonderful time of the year when my yard becomes inundated with a vine I call the devil plant. Many years ago I visited one of the big box stores in search of a product to rid this vine of its presence. Guess what? It hasn’t been invented yet. I was simply told “you can contain it, but you’ll never get rid of it”. Not what I wanted to hear.
I know goats love it. Belmont has even utilized these animals to eat fields of kudzu away in years past….and they do, quite efficiently and fast.
Because my property is very elevated downward, this monster of a vine really doesn’t gleam its glory to passing traffic. However, it’s a thorn in my side, especially this time of year. The only remedy that seems to help is cutting back the vines. Of course a few days later you would never believe I even bothered to contain it.
On a positive note, some don’t look at this vine in the same way I do. I did some research a few days ago and learned that a friend’s aunt claims eating the weed keeps her young. She makes hats and Christmas trees out of kudzu. She also claims this proverbial greenery keeps her young.
I also learned it has been used in Chinese medicine for many years, as there are quite a few uses for it to help ailments and symptoms. Who knew?
You can also find an array of recipes floating around online. From jelly to quiche to tea. So it does have a place in the kitchen..but not mine.
Baskets can also be woven from this monster vine. Basket makers have perfected methods of either using the green vines or drying them before using them to make their handiwork.
Our climate here in the Southeastern U.S. is perfect for kudzu. The vines can grow as much as a foot per day during summer months..climbing trees, power poles, and possibly anything else in its reach. This I know is quite true.
So once again I will find myself in a few more days tackling this creature. It loves my creek bed especially. Love it or hate it, it’s here and it’s not going away. I’ll just make sure to keep my windows closed to keep it out of my house.
