Is Japanese Stiltgrass A Weed
This grass weed roots at the nodes and therefore may quickly spread into shaded areas like backyard lawns ditches roadsides etc.
Is japanese stiltgrass a weed. Weed description prostrate to erect summer annual grass that thrives in shaded areas. Alternate names mary s grass basketgrass microstegium annual jewgrass. Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum is an invasive grass that threatens native plants and natural habitats in the eastern united states native to japan china central asia and india. Japanese stiltgrass infestation in a natural area.
Weedeaters don t work there either. Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum var. Japanese stiltgrass is an annual weed that is also known as nepalese browntop and asian stiltgrass. Mike mcgrath shares tips and tricks to getting rid of those pesky weeds in your lawn without all the fire and fury.
Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum trin camus grass family poaceae native range japan korea china malaysia and india description japanese stiltgrass or nepalese browntop is an annual grass with a sprawling habit. This is a viable option at the beginning of an infestation and on young weeds. Vimineum was originally documented in tennessee in 1919 and is believed to have been accidentally introduced to the united states through its use as a packing material. In the above photo japanese stiltgrass climbs the deer fencing on my north side.
From forested floodplains to forest edges stream banks fields trails and ditches it is known for colonizing lawns and gardens too. A string trimmer can be effective later in the season if you cut the stiltgrass off at ground level figure 1. Recommended herbicides stiltgrass is susceptible to a number of herbicides. A mower cuts too high and will not work as stiltgrass is a common weed in turf.
Hand pulling when the soil is moist makes the task easier. I can t mow right up against the fence because of the way it s installed. This article displays images to assist with identification and provides recommendations for control including a management calendar and treatment and timing table. It germinates in spring and grows slowly through the summer months ultimately reaching heights of 2 to 3 ft.
Small infestations of stiltgrass are readily pulled. Japanese stiltgrass is considered to be native to eastern asia and was introduced to north america during the early 1900s when it was used as packing material for imported porcelain shipments to tennessee. That s back breaking knee creaking work. Hand pulling or using an appropriate weeding tool are the primary means of mechanical weed control in lawns.
Japanese stiltgrass microstegium vimineum is an invasive annual grass. Hand pulling is the only option.