Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool

Description

Appearance

Imperata cylindrica is a perennial, colony-forming grass which can grow up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall.

Foliage

Leaves have an off-center, whitish midrib and finely serrated margins. Leaves are up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) long, 0.5-0.75 in. (1.3-1.9 cm) wide, stiff, and have a sharp, pointed apex. Rhizomes are whitish, branched, scaly and sharp at the tips.

Flowers

Flower heads are 2-8 in. (5.1-20.3 cm) long, silvery-white and cylindrical.

Fruit

Imperata cylindrica is best identified in the spring by the large fuzzy panicle of flowers and seeds, giving the plant a cottony or silky look.

Ecological Threat

Imperata cylindrica is an extremely aggressive invader with the capability of invading a range of sites. It forms dense, usually circular infestations that exclude all other vegetation. It is native to Southeast Asia and was accidently introduced into the southeast United States in packing material in the early 1900s. It was also intentionally introduced for erosion control and livestock forage.

Uses

Landscape Ornamental Use (GRIN): Yes

All Uses (GRIN):

Distribution Map (EDDMapS)

Wetland Indicator

Summary: cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a Terrestrial/Wetland species.

Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain (AGCP):

Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain regions

Eastern Mountains and Piedmont (EMP):

Mid-Atlantic Piedmont and Mountain regions

Northcentral and Northeast (NCNE):

Northern parts of PA and NJ (and beyond)

No Data

Legend (data from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

OBL (Obligate wetland): Almost always occurs in wetlands (estimated probability > 99%) under natural conditions

FACW (Facultative wetland): Usually occurs in wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in non-wetlands

FAC (Facultative): Equally likely to occur in wetlands (estimated probability 34% - 66%) or non-wetlands

FACU (Facultative upland): Usually occur in non-wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in wetlands (estimated probability 1% - 33%)

UPL (Obligate upland): Occur almost always (estimated probability > 99%) in non-wetlands under natural conditions

Taxonomic Rank

Resources

• Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
• A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
• Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States - USDA Forest Service
• Domestic Programs Pest Evaluation - USDA APHIS PPQ
• Cogongrass Web Site - Bugwood Network
• Identifying and Controlling Cogongrass in Georgia - GA Invasive Species Task Force
• Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas - Plant Conservation Alliance
• Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules of the U.S. - USDA-APHIS
• Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service