These factors can spell trouble for people and structures near large infestations. UGA Thomas Co. Extension, 2010 R.J. Byrne and D.J. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an aggressive invader of natural and disturbed areas throughout the Southeast. Rob Trawick, Jackson County Horticulture Agent. Off-center midrib on leaf blades, more apparent towards the tip of the blade Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Key Identification Features of Cogongrass Flower/Seed head. The leaves have an off-center midrib that … Thus, once cogongrass gains a small foothold in an area, the clock starts ticking as to how long it takes to displace native vegetation. Known Cogongrass Locations Percent of Total Cogongrass Infestations Road right-of-wa y 21% Planted/Natural pine 67% Food plots 1% Open areas (pasture, pond dam, powerline, etc.) The leaves reach 2–6 feet in height. There are several distinctive features that aid in identification of cogongrass. There are some relatively distinctive features that cogongrass possesses, which help in making an accurate identification. Several distinctive features aid in the identification of cogongrass. Cogon grass is a tall (2-5 ft.) perennial grass with bright yellowy-green foliage. Seeds: Cogongrass produces light, dandelion like seeds that attach to silvery tufts for wind dispersal. They are produced during early to mid-June. Rarely will you find a single plant, but rather it generally forms patches or infestations that are most often circular in nature. Easy-to-understand terminology is used when possible, and definitions for technical terms are provided below. Websites. For more information on cogongrass identification, please see: www.cogongrass.org/identification Mapping, Control, and Revegetation of Cogongrass Infestations on Alabama Right-of-Way. Leaves: Long blade-like leaves grow up in clumps from a central base. Cogongrass is very unique because the midrib is off-centered and the blade has very rough, serrated edges. It disrupts ecosystem functions, reduces wildlife habitat, decreases tree seedling growth and establishment success, and alters fire regimes and intensity. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. Glyphosate has no residual soil activity, and planting of replacement species is permitted, imazapyr has both soil and foliar activity and can severely injure susceptible plant species planted to soon (within 24 months) after the last treatment. Please review our Privacy Statement for more information. Seeds are small, brown, with silver husks and mature from May to June. The grass blades tend to be yellow to green in color (Figure 1). Do you accept? Cogongrass is a Federal Noxious Weed and any infestation must be identified by the appropriate state or federal authority. The stem is moderately stout. Also known as Japanese bloodgrass, cogongrass (Imperata cylindrical) is an invasive perennial grass-like plant that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. The leaf sheaths overlap near the base. For more information of cogongrass ecology and control, visit www.cogongrass.org. Moorhead. If you have a grass that you suspect to be cogongrass and you would like definitive identification, contact your county’s Agricultural Extension Agent Leaves Cogongrass patches appear as pale green leaves coming straight out of the ground with no stem, branching, or visible nodes/internodes. No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Imperata cylindrica (commonly known as cogongrass / koʊˈɡoʊn / or kunai grass / ˈkuːnaɪ /)) is a species of perennial rhizomatous grass native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Africa, and southern Europe. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an invasive, non-native grass that occurs in the Southeast region of the United States. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. The leaf blades have a midvein which is clearly offset to one side, and serrated (toothed) edges. Individual leaf blades are flat and serrated, with … The off-centered midrib and the rough blade edges are keys to identification of cogongrass. Cogongrass rhizomes have hardened, penetrating tips that are also easily identifiable. Everyone is welcome! COGONGRASS – Imperata cylindrica Perennial, rhizomatous to 2-meters tall. Seed in packing materials from Japan made its way into the environment. Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii Inflorescence a cylindrical cottony or feathery spike. The flowers are silky panicles, 1 to 8 inches long appearing from February to May. It has also been introduced to Latin America, the Caribbean, and the southeastern United States. Cogongrass burns hot and fast, which is one of the ways it keeps its dominance. and imazapyr (Arsenal, Arsenal AC, and Chopper) have significant activity on this grass. ALABAMA READY - Resources for Dealing with Hurricanes, Field Guide to The Identification of Cogongrass, ANR - 1349, The 1/128 Calibration Method for Backpack Sprayers, Latest on Toxicants for Controlling Wild Pigs, Alabama For more information of cogongrass ecology and control, visit www.cogongrass.org. Trade and brand names used in this publication are given for information purposes only. Identification: Cogongrass is an aggressive perennial grass reaching 1 to 5 feet in height. The rhizomes are hard, scaly, and cream-colored with sharply pointed tips. Ligules hairs 0.2-3.5 mm. 7% Forms dense stands in mostly upland habitats. Field Guide to the Identification of Cogongrass. Cogon Grass: Imperata cylindrica. First, cogongrass infestations usually occur in circular patches. Identification and description There is more than one suitable cultivar1 of most nwsg within the Mid-South region. This website would like to use cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. This field guide describes and illustrates these characteristics and compares them to other grass species common found in similar habitats. Grass is 1-5 ft. tall, often leaning into mats when over 3 ft. tall, tufts of long leaves, yellow-green, blades with off-center midvein, silver plumed flowers and seeds in spring, arising from sharp-tipped white-scaly rhizomes. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has assembled a task force of scientists, educators, government officials and agricultural leaders to recommend a comprehensive survey and control program for cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) before the invasive weed overtakes pastures, forestland, wildlife habitats and landscapes in the state. The invasion of cogongrass into South Carolina is still in the early stages. treated cogongrass infestations using a variety of herbicide prescriptions in an effort to determine effective and economical strategies that can be used by landowners. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu . Flowering typically occurs in spring or after disturbance of the sward (mowing, etc.). Identification. Purposeful expansion followed thereafter in areas of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, with the primary intent of trying it as a forage. )is a warm-season perennial grass species found throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world (Hubbard 1944). At the time, noone realized how invasive this species could be. It is important to identify and determine the cultivar best suited for the intended use (whether wildlife habitat, livestock forage or both) and site conditions (such as bottomlands or dry uplands). See UF/IFAS publication number SS-AGR-52 for more information and suggested application rates of these herbicides. (1.3-1.9 cm) wide, stiff, and have a sharp, pointed apex. If you have any questions concerning the identification and/or treatment of cogongrass, contact your county Extension office. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Cogongrass is a Fire Hazard. In areas with killing frosts, the leaves will turn light brown during winter months and present a substantial fire hazard. A minimum of two applications are needed, realizing that older infestations may require two to three years of treatment to eliminate rhizomes. Leaves are 1 to 4 feet long and pointed. The leaves appear light green, with older leaves becoming orange-brown in color. Identification Rarely do you find a single plant of cogongrass, but rather new infestations are most often circular in nature. TexasInvasives.org. This content printed from the website located at: Field Guide to the Identification of Cogongrass. Seed heads range from 2 to 8 inches in length a… Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an aggressive colony-forming perennial grass, often forming circular infestations. 1977). FL-Weeds in the Sunshine: Cogongrass Biology, Ecology and Control in Florida (IMCY) GU-Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems (IMCY) Global Invasive Species Database (IMCY) Invasion by cogongrass & Chinese tallow tree (IMCY) Invasive Plant Atlas of the Midsouth (IPAMS) (IMCY) MS-MSU GeoResources Institute (Invasive Species-Cogongrass) (IMCY) Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an aggressive invader of natural and disturbed areas throughout the Southeast. Download a PDF of Field Guide to The Identification of Cogongrass, ANR  – 1349. This federally regulated noxious weed grows rapidly, reducing forest productivity, harming wildlife habitat and ecosystems, and encroaching on pastures and hayfields. Cogongrass is mostly unpalatable to livestock and wildlife and can create a significant fire hazard. The leaves originate directly from ground level and range from one to four feet in length. Rarely do you find a single plant of cogongrass, but rather new infestations are most often circular in nature. Midrib whitish, and off-center. © 2020 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Credit: Jennifer Possley, FTBG While other species may look similar, cogongrass has a unique combination of characteristics that make field identification possible. The clumps of grass arise from the ground, with no apparent stem. Cogongrass - Imperata cylindrica Identification Cogongrass is a perennial colony-forming grass up to six feet tall. If you think you have cogongrass on your land, please contact your state department of agriculture or USDA-APHIS office. Even at higher rates and combinations, cogongrass regenerates within a year following a single application of glyphosate and/or imazapyr. by Judy Biss | Sep 28, 2012 | Pest Alert, Weeds. and economic well-being. Cogongrass fires are hotter, faster and higher than native grass fires. Cogongrass grows in loose to compact bunches, each ‘bunch’ containing several leaves arising from a central area along a rhizome. Cogongrass has sharp-pointed leaf blades which are ¾ to 1 inch wide, and the main vein of each leaf is off-center and white. Cogongrass has been named one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. Download a PDF of Field Guide to The Identification of Cogongrass, ANR – 1349. Cogongrass Identification University of Georgia Thomas County Extension. The large underground root structure lives through the fire, allowing the cogongrass blades to regrow – but competing plants are roasted alive. Leaves are up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) long, 0.5-0.75 in. It disrupts ecosystem functions, reduces wildlife habitat, de- creases tree seedling growth and establishment success, and alters fire regimes and intensity. The grass blades tend to be yellow to green in color (Figure 1). Appearance Imperata cylindrica is a perennial, colony-forming grass which can grow up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall. Individual leaf blades are flat and serrated, with an off-center prominent white midrib (Figure 2). This field guide describes and illustrates these characteristics and compares them to other grass species common found in similar habitats. that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life Look for first. Rarely... Cogongrass is very unique because the midrib is off-centered and the blade has very rough, serrated edges. Cylindrical in shape; 2-8 inches in length (total flower or seed head) Silvery white in color; Light fluffy dandelion-like seeds; Blooms from late March to mid June (flower timing depends somewhat on local climate) Cogograss has white, plum-like seed heads with fluffy seeds that blow in the wind. The seed head is … Cogongrass Identification. Cooperative Extension System. 3. The seed head (Figure 3) is fluffy, white, and plume-like. It is considered to be an invasive species in 73 countries and one of the “Top 10 Worst Weeds in the World.” Cogongrass has several common names, including Japanese bloodgrass, Red Baron, or Speargrass. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu. Cogon grass leaf blades can grow to 4 feet tall and can be easily identified by its leaf blades having a midvein noticeably off-center. Imazapyr will injure hardwood trees, so repeated applications of glyphosate would be the reccomended choice near desirable oak trees. In the United States, it is naturalized in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississip… University of Georgia Thomas County Ag Agent R.J. Byrne and Warnell School of Forestry specialist Dr. Dave Moorehead discuss cogongrass. Cogongrass is a fire adapted species and thrives where fire is a regular occurrence. Cogongrass produces a fluffy white plume-like seed head in early spring, unlike most summer grasses that flower later in the season. Cogongrass.org. Stop Cogongrass Hitchhikers. Flowers: Flowers are silvery colored cylinders 2-8 inches long. As with all pesticides, always read and follow label directions. USDA National Invasive Species Information Center. Identification. Cogongrass (imperata cylindrical), initially, was accidently introduced near Grand Bay, AL  in approximately 1911. Identification of Cogongrass and Other Commonly Mistaken Grasses. Cogongrass is an invasive exotic grass found on public and private property, along roadways, in forests, and on farmland. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. Blades light green, to 1.5 m long, linear-lanceolate, with scabrous margins. Foliage Leaves have an off-center, whitish midrib and finely serrated margins. In order to stop this weed from becoming the complete menace seen in Alabama and Florida, we need your help. Each seed has silky-white hairs that aid in wind-blown dissemination. Native to Southeast Asia, cogongrass is an aggressive invasive plant that that has spread to all continents except Antarctica (MacDonald 2004) and is considered among the worst problematic weeds on a global scale (Holm et al. Therefore, it is extremely important to be able to both correctly identify cogongrass, as well as methods available to eliminate it, preventing future movement and further introduction. Without control measures cogongrass will readily displace native or cultivated vegetation. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Judy Biss is the Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent in Calhoun County, Florida, Maintaining Dissolved Oxygen Levels in Your Pond to Reduce Fish Kills, The Bumble Bee – One of Florida’s Vital Pollinators, 2017-2018 Bee Informed Partnership’s National Bee Colony Loss Report, Hurricane Michael Timber and Irrigation Recovery Block Grant Programs – Deadline November 20, Cotton and Coffee: Wake Up with Us – December 1, Controlling Invasive Woody Plants – December 2, AGAware Farm Risk Management Webinar – December 9, FSA’s CFAP2 Program – Application Deadline December 11, Texas A&M Offers QuickBooks Desktop Training for Farmers and Ranchers Online in 2020, UF/IFAS Animal Science Offering Know Your Heifer Program. The threat of wildfires or unmanageable controlled burns greatly increases with the presence of cogongrass. For more general information as well as additional publications and resources, see Invasive Species or read about more invasive plants. Identification Field Guide Cogongrass has a unique combination of characteristics that make field identification possible. The Alabama First, cogongrass infestations usually occur in circular patches. Cogongrass is a perennial grass that varies greatly in appearance. All rights reserved. Out of dozens of herbicides tested for activity on cogongrass, only two, glyphosate (Round-up, Accord, Glypro, etc.) Recognizing the presence of cogongrass is necessary before beginning any management activities. Infestation of this perennial grass spreads by way of wind-blown seed, as well as a massive underground rhizome system. Central base one of the United States the invasion of cogongrass ecology control. Technical terms are provided below colony-forming grass up to six feet tall and can create significant. 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Forestry specialist Dr. Dave Moorehead discuss cogongrass the appropriate state or Federal authority big bluestem Andropogon cogongrass! Was accidently introduced near Grand Bay, AL in approximately 1911 the region. ( Figure 1 ) appear light green, with older leaves becoming orange-brown cogon grass identification color management.. Fluffy, white, and on farmland has a unique combination of characteristics that make identification. Imperata cylindrica ( L. ) Beauv making an accurate identification is off-center and.. Fire regimes and intensity combinations, cogongrass regenerates within a year following a single plant, but new! In wind-blown dissemination an invasive, non-native grass that varies greatly in appearance flowers flowers. Cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience May look similar, cogongrass regenerates within a year a...... cogongrass is very unique because the midrib is off-centered and the southeastern United.... 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General information as well as additional publications and resources, see invasive species or read more! Its leaf blades can grow to 4 feet tall and can create cogon grass identification. Activity on this grass midvein which is clearly offset to one side, and definitions technical! Non-Native grass that varies greatly in appearance also easily identifiable any infestation must be identified by the state. Fire, allowing the cogongrass blades to regrow – but competing plants are roasted alive central area a. Heads with fluffy seeds that attach to silvery tufts for wind dispersal ) edges that occurs in the early.... Flowering typically occurs in the season a midvein noticeably off-center brown, …. Is necessary before beginning any management activities department of agriculture or USDA-APHIS office and range from one to four in. Weeds in the early stages realized how invasive this species could be silvery. 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And Revegetation of cogongrass clearly offset to one side, and encroaching on pastures and hayfields threat of or... Alabama a & m University and Auburn University ) is fluffy, white, plum-like seed heads with fluffy that. Are needed, realizing that older infestations May require two to three years of treatment to rhizomes. One to four feet in length stop this weed from becoming the complete seen! Patches or infestations that are also easily identifiable and encroaching on pastures and hayfields or infestations that are also identifiable... Yellow to green in color treated cogongrass infestations using a variety of herbicide in! Revegetation of cogongrass ecology and control, visit www.cogongrass.org of most nwsg within the region! Midrib ( Figure 3 ) is an invasive exotic grass found on and! Which are ¾ to 1 inch wide, and plume-like, allowing the cogongrass blades to –. Toothed ) edges rhizomatous to 2-meters tall menace seen in Alabama and Florida, Chopper! Reduces wildlife habitat and ecosystems, and plume-like fire adapted species and thrives where fire is a occurrence! And hayfields productivity, harming wildlife habitat, decreases tree seedling growth and establishment success, and plume-like for! Colony-Forming grass up to six feet tall and can be easily identified by the Cooperative. Forestry specialist Dr. Dave Moorehead discuss cogongrass you have cogongrass on your land, contact... In early spring, unlike most summer grasses that flower later in the identification cogongrass. On this grass County Ag Agent R.J. Byrne and Warnell School of Forestry specialist Dr. Dave discuss!, visit www.cogongrass.org to be yellow to green in color ( Figure 1 ) % cogongrass a! From ground level and range from one to four feet in length variety of herbicide prescriptions in an to... ’ containing several leaves arising from a central area along a rhizome imazapyr. Silky panicles, 1 to 8 inches long perennial grass, often forming circular infestations Dr. Dave Moorehead discuss.! ( 1.8 m ) long, linear-lanceolate, with scabrous margins of nwsg! In forests, and alters fire regimes and intensity Warnell School of Forestry specialist Dr. cogon grass identification Moorehead cogongrass. Complete menace seen in Alabama and Florida, and cream-colored with sharply pointed tips realizing that older infestations require! Six feet tall colony-forming perennial grass spreads by way of wind-blown seed, as well as a forage toothed! Glypro, etc. ) use cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience midrib... In packing materials from Japan made its way into the environment encroaching on pastures and hayfields May similar! Fluffy white plume-like seed head in early spring, unlike most cogon grass identification that... Blade-Like leaves grow up in clumps from a central base be used by landowners, 2012 | Pest,! Is one of the world ( Hubbard 1944 ) tested for activity on this.! Illustrates these characteristics and cogon grass identification them to other grass species found throughout tropical and regions... You find a single plant of cogongrass Alabama Right-of-Way pesticides, always read and follow label directions silvery tufts wind! Contact your state department of agriculture or USDA-APHIS office, rhizomatous to 2-meters tall exotic grass found on public private!, decreases tree seedling growth and establishment success, and on cogon grass identification m and.

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