Japanese Stiltgrass
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.
Japanese stiltgrass. Microstegium vimineum commonly known as japanese stiltgrass packing grass or nepalese browntop is an annual grass that is common in a wide variety of habitats and is well adapted to low light levels. 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. Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum is an invasive annual grass. So let the plants grow taller than normal and torch.
Despite being non native in the united states it serves as a host plant for some native satyr butterflies such as the carolina satyr hermeuptychia sosybius and the endangered mitchell s. Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum. Grows up to 2 ft. It was first introduced to north america when it was used as packing material in the 1900 s.
Has a weak and shallow root system. It grows anywhere and spreads everywhere. Japanese stiltgrass is an annual grass native to temperate climates in southeastern asia. Japanese stiltgrass nepalese browntop chinese packing grass annual stilt grass bamboo grass eulalia mary s grass ashi boso japanese for slim foot the east asian provenance of this invasive plant was arbitrarily attributed to japan early in the 19th century.
The essence of japanese stiltgrass. It depends on seeds dropped in the fall to survive year to year just like crab grass. Growth habit bright green grass has silver hairs down the center of its short bamboo like blade. Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum is an invasive grass that threatens native plants and natural habitats in the eastern united states.
Japanese stiltgrass is an annual plant not a perennial. Japanese stiltgrass has a wide range of habitat preferences including stream banks river bluffs forested wetlands home lawns and gardens allow it to spread. This article displays images to assist with identification and provides recommendations for control including a management calendar and treatment and timing table. Closeup of leaf blade photo.
