Japanese Stiltgrass New York
Japanese stiltgrass has become established across the eastern united states from new york to florida as well as west to texas and illinois.
Japanese stiltgrass new york. Japanese stiltgrass was recently found at a nursery in york county marking the first time it has been found in the state the maine department of agriculture conservation and forestry announced. Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum also called nepalese browntop is an aggressive invader of forest lands throughout the eastern united states infestations can impact the diversity of native species reduce wildlife habitat and disrupt important ecosystem functions. From new york to pennsylvania to florida texas and even puerto rico first seen in 2011 the presence of this pesky grass type is growing. Japanese stiltgrass is especially adapted to low light conditions but will still thrive in a wide range of habitats including woodlands floodplains streambanks open fields yards and roadsides.
New york state had 16 counties reporting stiltgrass invasions also in 2011. In the united states japanese stiltgrass is found in 24 eastern states and territories. It occurs on stream banks river bluffs floodplains emergent and forested. Japanese stiltgrass was introduced into the united states in tennessee around 1919 and likely escaped as a result of its use as a packing material for porcelain.
In new york state alone there have been 16 counties reporting stiltgrass invasions also starting from 2011. Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum is bright green with a distinctive silvery stripe of reflective hairs along the midrib of each narrow lance shaped blade the leaves are one to three inches long and alternately arranged on a branched stalk resembling a smaller more delicate version of bamboo. Top right japanese stiltgrass stem showing silvery midrib and alternating leave arrangement. Distribution and habitat stiltgrass is currently established in 16 eastern states from new york to florida.
Create dense stands of vegetation that dominate habitats and out compete native plants. One local politician is blaming the large deer population for allowing japanese stiltgrass to take hold. Japanese stiltgrass has extended its range into several asian countries surrounding its native range including turkey nepal and pakistan. Western new york prism.
New york cbsnewyork an invasive grass is growing out of control on staten island. Populations are not yet found in canada but can be found nearby in bordering states.
