Japanese Stiltgrass Seed Heads

Nimblewill is invasive in california but native to 40 states.

Japanese stiltgrass seed heads. Japanese stiltgrass also known as bamboograss flexible sesagrass japanese grass mary s grass microstegium nepal microstegium nepaleze browntop or vietnamese grass is a summer annual commonly found in shady moist areas and is spreading rapidly in woodlands as well as shaded landscapes and low maintenance turf throughout the southeastern united states mid atlantic states and north. Japanese stiltgrass may be driving you crazy but don t go for the torch just yet. To find out if you live in its natural range check the ladybird johnson wildflower center s native plant database or the biota of north america program. Stiltgrass is susceptible to a number of herbicides suitable for use in parks.

Impact on the environment. One plant can produce up to 1000 seeds. Annual or short lived perennial grass. Prescriptions for elimination of japanese stiltgrass focus on reducing competition as early as practical in the season and preventing seed set.

Widespread in all three counties. Japanese stiltgrass will simply grow lower and make seed heads lower than your mower height. The best way to use this method is to allow the grass to grow naturally until late august or september when it starts developing seed heads. Fortunately japanese stiltgrass has a unique combination of characteristics that make field identification possible.

Infestations spread rapidly and the seed can remain viable in the soil for up to five years. Correct identification is necessary before beginning any management activities. If the seed heads have not yet fully formed pulling the shallow rooted plants is the way to go. Best identified by silver streak along center of upper leaf surface.

Grows to three feet tall but most often in sprawling fashion. Mike mcgrath shares tips and tricks to getting rid of those pesky weeds in your lawn without all the fire and fury. Unlike crabgrass japanese stiltgrass flowers and sets seeds much later from mid september through october. Japanese stiltgrass prefers to grow in the kind of moist shady conditions that weaken turf.

Nimblewill left goes head to head with japanese stiltgrass right. Timing treatment product rate oz ac comments before stiltgrass germination apply early to mid march pre. Flowers and seeds borne on one to six slender one to two inch long heads in sept. The small seeds may be carried by animal fur water during heavy rains contaminated hay potted plants or soil and mud stuck to footwear.

Get to know nimblewill and stiltgrass. Multiply the above reasons by the number of seeds one plant produces in a season.