This paper analyzes the framing of Kudzu, a quick growing Asian climbing plant, by national and local newspapers. This invasive species has tormented the southeastern United States for decades but was once hailed as a hero for prevention of soil erosion. This study will examine articles from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Asheville Citizen-Times from 1950 and 2017 in order to better understand the historical framing of Kudzu and any recent changes in framing. This paper seeks to better understand how media have played a role in communicating the environmental benefits and consequences of an invasive species.
