Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool

Japanese stiltgrass

Microstegium vimineum

(Trin.) A. Camus

Taxon, Habit: Plant, Graminoid, Grass

Habitat: Wetland/Terrestrial

U.S. Nativity: Introduced

Species Synonym(s): None

Common Name(s): Japanese stilt grass, Japanese grass, Mary's grass, Nepalgrass, basketgrass, microstegium, Nepalese browntop, Chinese packing grass

Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Family Synonym(s): None

Native Range (GRIN):

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Plant

James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society

Infestation

James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service

Infestation

Chris Evans, University of Illinois

Infestation

Chris Evans, University of Illinois

Infestation

Chris Evans, University of Illinois

Infestation

Chris Evans, University of Illinois

Plant

Chris Evans, University of Illinois

Root

Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University

Foliage

David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia

Infestation

Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia

Foliage

Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia

Flower

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut

Plant

USDA NRCS PLANTS Database , USDA NRCS PLANTS Database

Fruit

Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database

Plant

USDA NRCS PLANTS Database , USDA NRCS PLANTS Database

Description

Appearance
Microstegium vimineum is a delicate, sprawling, annual grass that is 0.5-3.5 ft. (0.2-1.1 m) in height. The stems can root at the nodes.
Foliage
The leaves are pale-green, alternate, lance-shaped, 1-3 in. (2.5-7.6 cm) long, asymmetrical with a shiny, off-center midrib. Upper and lower leaf surface is slightly pubescent. A silvery line runs down the center of the blade. Stems usually droop.
Flowers
Flowering begins in September, when delicate flower stalks develop in the axils of the leaves or at the top of the stems.
Fruit
Fruit is produced from late September through early October.
Ecological Threat
Most commonly a invader of forested floodplains, Microstegium vimineum is also found in ditches, forest edges, fields, and trails. It is very shade tolerant and can completely displace native vegetation. It is native to Asia and was accidentally introduced into North America sometime around 1920. It has previously been used as packing material for porcelain, possibly explaining its accidental introduction.

Uses

Landscape Ornamental Use (GRIN): No

All Uses (GRIN): Potential seed contaminant

Distribution Map (EDDMapS)

Wetland Indicator

Summary: Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is a Wetland/Terrestrial 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)


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

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Subclass: Commelinidae
Order: Cyperales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Microstegium
Subject: Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus

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