cogongrass

Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.

Description from Invasive.org

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.

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

Selected Images from Invasive.org

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Seed(s)
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Feature(s)
L. M. Marsh, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org
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Foliage
Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org
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Rhizome / Stolon Pointed rhizome
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Plant(s)
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Plant(s) "Red Baron" variety in a greenhouse
Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
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Infestation Large infestation
Wilson Faircloth, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
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Seed(s) seeds on tractor radiator
Wilson Faircloth, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
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Infestation
John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org
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Research Control plots
John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org
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Prescribed Fire Prescribed fire to reduce thatch.
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Control Art Miller, USDA APHIS PPQ, spraying herbicide
USDA APHIS PPQ - Oxford, North Carolina , USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
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