Japanese Stiltgrass
(Microstegium vimineum)

Key Identification Features

Description

Japanese stiltgrass is a highly invasive annual grass that forms dense sprawling mats which can reach heights of 3 feet. Its leaves are 1 - 3 inches in length, pale to bright green, and lance shaped. The midrib of its leaves have distinctive shiny hairs. It flowers from late summer to early fall. Seeds are born on delicate stalks and plants also have closed cleistogamous flowers that occur in short branches low on the stems. After plants die back in late fall, its straw-like stems persist through the winter.

Native Range

Japanese stiltgrass is native to Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia and India. It was introduced to Tennessee in the early 20th century as a packaging material for porcelain.

Habitat and Dispersion

Japanese stiltgrass can be found in a wide variety of habitats, but thrives in shaded areas with moist soils. This makes it a threat to wetlands and floodplains, where its aggressive growth can outcompete and displace native plants. It also does well in areas of disturbance, such as places that are mowed frequently. High deer populations may increase its local density, as deer tend to eat native plants while ignoring stiltgrass. It spreads rapidly by vegetative growth, and each plant can produce 1,000 small seeds which can be dispersed by water, animals, or people. Seeds persist in the soil for five years.

Best Management Practices

As is the case with many invasive species, the best method of controlling stiltgrass is preventing its spread. Any equipment, shoes or clothing that have come in contact with its seeds should be cleaned to prevent unintentional spreading. Hand pulling can be effective for small populations due to their shallow roots, although care should be taken to dispose of all remnants properly if the plants are flowering. Regular mowing can be an effective way to limit seed production, but is not likely to eliminate established areas of growth. For larger infestations, the systematic application of herbicides can be an effective means of control.

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