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Invasive Species: Japanese Stiltgrass

Invasive Species: Japanese Stiltgrass

Japanese Stiltgrass

(Microstegium vimineum)
*Detected in Michigan*

WATCH LIST

Report this species: 

Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool

- Or - download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone - MISIN.MSU.edu/tools/apps/#home

 

Identification:

  • Delicate, low-growing annual grass. 
  • Stems sprawl over one another and root at nodes.
  • Short (3-8 cm) alternate leaves are pale green, lance-shaped with a distinctive, shiny mid-rib, slightly off-center.
 

Japanese stiltgrass
Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

Japanese stiltgrass
Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

japanese stiltgrass
Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

Habitat: This annual grass is very adaptable and tolerates varying levels of soil acidity and moisture but prefers forested floodplains. It will grow almost anywhere from deep shade to full sun.

Native Range: China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and India.

U.S. Distribution: Japanese stiltgrass was first documented in Tennessee in 1919, introduced as a packing material for goods from Asia. It has spread across much of the eastern U.S. as far north as New Hampshire and as far south as Texas. 

Local Concern: Stiltgrass produces 100-1,000 seeds per plant and can spread rapidly by water flow, wildlife, foot and vehicular traffic. Deer will browse native plants and avoid stiltgrass, which allows for additional spreading. 

Other Common Names: Nepalese browntop, Asian stilt grass, Nepal, microstegium, eulalia.

MORE INFORMATION:

Japanese Stiltgrass Invasive Species Alert - Printable PDF