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JAPANESE STILT GRASS, ASIAN STILT GRASS, NEPAL GRASS (Microstegium vimineum)

Description

• Pale green lance-like thin leaves up to 3 inches long on thin stems. Silvery strip of reflective hairs at center of upper side of leaf.
• Size varies; can be up to 3 feet tall, but often 1/2 to 2 feet. Sometimes seen as a nearly mat-like cover where mowed.
• Plants come up or break off easily.
• Origin--Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, India

Distribution

• Frequent in low to mid-elevation sites.
• Favors moist locations and rich soils.
• Occurs often in shade, but tolerates sun.
• Observed along road sides, yards, and trails, but also found deep in forests.

Threat

• Adapted to shade, invades forests, forms dense patches that crowd out native plants in open and shaded sites.
• Spreads easily and can take over fields and forests quickly, especially moist, rich soils and wetlands.
• Seeds remain viable for three years and are easily spread by hay, soil on shoes, tires, and by water.

Control

• Repeated hand pulling, especially when plants are in full bloom (late summer).
• Larger populations may be weed-whacked in late summer just before plants produce seeds.
• Important to control small populations quickly.
• Chemical controls include glyphosate (Roundup). In wet areas, wetland formulations are needed (e.g., Rodeo).

Links to sites with additional information on Kudzu

• PCA Alien Plant Working Group--Japanese Stilt Grass
• The Nature Conservancy's Invasives on the Web--Japanese Stilt Grass
• Virginia's Natural Heritage Program--Japanese Stilt Grass
• Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council--Japanese Grass

References: Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Working Group