Kudzu

Kudzu can be invasive and are considered noxious weeds in areas where they are out of control. The plant can climbs over trees or shrubs and grows so rapidly that it can kill them by heavy shading.

Kudzu's environmental and ecological damage results from acting through "interference competition," meaning it out-competes other species for a resource.

It may compete with native flora for light shading them with its leaves.

A study published in 2014 found that changes in leaf litter associated with kudzu infestation resulted in changes to decomposition processes and a 28% reduction in stocks of soil carbon.

It is now common along roadsides and other disturbed areas throughout most of the southeastern United States. It has been spreading at the rate of 150,000 acres (610 km2) annually.