Introduced Species

Introduced species are ones that are exotic, living outside their native range. They can either be harmful, have no effect, or be beneficial. This is a picture of a Kudzu vine, (Pueraria lobata) first introduced into the United States in 1876 in Philadelphia from Southeast Asia. Kudzu was used for erosion control and to enrich the soil. Controlling the spread of this invasive species costs the U.S. $6 million each year. Kudzu travels through the use of stolons and can form new plants with rhizomes. This vine cannot withstand cold temperatures and is found in the Southeastern U.S.