h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

If the sumac bush/tree is related to this Kudzu?

It emits a grape-like smell... does it have fruit - or just the flowers?

the flowers themselves give off the grape scent but as for fruit...this plant does not produce a fruit as such but does form a seed pod much like what a bean looks like
if it were not for the fact that this plant takes over everything in site it would be quite a lovely addition to someones garden
monsy

We have a similar - though nowhere as bad - problem here in NZ. The early Scottish settlers just had to bring thistle bushes with them to remind them of home.

I don't know if the Scots got homesick - the thistles definitely didn't - all that lovely warm rain and sunshine - thistle heaven

i am always amazed at the lack of thought and research is put into the plants that are transfered from one region to another....you would think that after awhile they would learn
monsy

The UK is invaded by rhododendron bushes, which look nice but are extremely difficult to get rid of.
Not to mention the grey squirrels...

while here in the USA we work our tushes off to get those same rhododendron bushes to grow....
go figure
monsy

I have seen this Kudzu. It is pretty but so devistating. In Texas we have Johnson Grass. The joke here is if you dislike someone sprinkle a few Johnson Grass seeds on their lawn . Is there not any way to just keep the Kudzu at bay?

I bought my mother a rhodedendron for mum's day last year- the whole thing rotted on the inside and blew off

with kudzu growing up to a foot a day in every direction it is difficult to keep it at bay....luckily the traffic in most areas is busy enough that it will keep it cut back from the roads just with the tires of the vehicles....as far as keeping it out of yards....mow mow mow and don't forget more mowing....if you have kudzu near your yard and put off the mowing for a bit you will find you now have it in your yard......the problem is that with no natural enemies and the oh so perfect weather conditions kudzu just does what it wants whether you want it to or not.....
monsy