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Invasive Species: Grasses

Invasive Species: Grasses

Invasive Grasses

Species that are not native and also have the potential to harm human health or to harm natural, agricultural or silvicultural resources can be listed as prohibited or restricted by the State of Michigan. If a species is prohibited or restricted, it is unlawful to possess, introduce, import, sell or offer that species for sale as a live organism, except under certain circumstances.

Calligraphy Sedge (formerly Asiatic Sand Sedge)

(Carex kobomugi)

Watch List

Calligraphy sedge is a perennial sedge that grows to about one foot tall. It has a triangular stem with brown scales at the base. The leaves are often taller than the club-shaped flowering heads. There are small ridges along the the edge of the leaves, making it feel serrated.

More information: Calligraphy sedge
asatic sand sedge

Stiltgrass (formerly Japanese Stiltgrass)

(Microstegium vimineum)

Watch List

Stiltgrass is a delicate, low-growing grass with stems that sprawl over one another and roots from the nodes. The alternate leaves are short (3-8 cm. long), pale green and lance-shaped with a distinctive, shiny mid-rib, slightly off-center. It prefers forested floodplains but will grow almost anywhere from deep shade to full sun. 

More information: Stiltgrass
Japanese stiltgrass

Phragmites (Common Reed)

(Phragmites australis)

Restricted in Michigan

Invasive phragmites (also known as common reed) is a warm-season perennial grass with a rigid hollow stem and leaves that are flat, smooth, and green to grayish-green. The flowers grow as dense branched clusters on the end of each stem that are open and feathery at maturity. The plant ranges in height from 6-13 feet.

More information: Phragmites
Phragmites