This image shows the dramatic growth and detrimental impact of the fast growing invasive species of vine known as Kudzu, as seen in Mississippi along a rural highway.
Mirro-Krome by H. S. Crocker Co., Inc.
The description states:
KUDZU ALONG THE HIGHWAY
An oriental legume, whose runners grow from 20 to 50 feet in a single season, ha been used in Mississippi since 1936 to prevent erosion. In addition, Kudzu’s large, dark green leaves make a picturesque covering for rough road banks and hillsides along Mississippi’s paved highways.
–The positive tone of this postcard, describing Kudzu as a beneficial and positive addition to the ecology of Mississippi, has changed 180 degrees over the decades as Kudzu has proven to be enormously destructive and difficult to control, which is seen even in this photo. The tall ‘bushes’ looking almost like topiary are native trees and bushes that have been smothered and killed by Kudzu.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.