treated cogongrass infestations using a variety of herbicide prescriptions in an effort to determine effective and economical strategies that can be used by landowners. This federally regulated noxious weed grows rapidly, reducing forest productivity, harming wildlife habitat and ecosystems, and encroaching on pastures and hayfields. Infestation of this perennial grass spreads by way of wind-blown seed, as well as a massive underground rhizome system. It has also been introduced to Latin America, the Caribbean, and the southeastern United States. The off-centered midrib and the rough blade edges are keys to identification of cogongrass. 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 is an invasive exotic grass found on public and private property, along roadways, in forests, and on farmland. Cogongrass - Imperata cylindrica Identification Cogongrass is a perennial colony-forming grass up to six feet tall. Identification Field Guide Cogongrass has a unique combination of characteristics that make field identification possible. Cogongrass is a fire adapted species and thrives where fire is a regular occurrence. Cogongrass is a Fire Hazard. Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii The Alabama The threat of wildfires or unmanageable controlled burns greatly increases with the presence of cogongrass. 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. Appearance Imperata cylindrica is a perennial, colony-forming grass which can grow up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall. In the United States, it is naturalized in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississip… 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. 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 seed head is … Imazapyr will injure hardwood trees, so repeated applications of glyphosate would be the reccomended choice near desirable oak trees. Leaves: Long blade-like leaves grow up in clumps from a central base. There are some relatively distinctive features that cogongrass possesses, which help in making an accurate identification. Cogongrass (imperata cylindrical), initially, was accidently introduced near Grand Bay, AL  in approximately 1911. )is a warm-season perennial grass species found throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world (Hubbard 1944). Each seed has silky-white hairs that aid in wind-blown dissemination. No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Key Identification Features of Cogongrass Flower/Seed head. Foliage Leaves have an off-center, whitish midrib and finely serrated margins. Rarely... Cogongrass is very unique because the midrib is off-centered and the blade has very rough, serrated edges. At the time, noone realized how invasive this species could be. This website would like to use cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. Cooperative Extension System. The flowers are silky panicles, 1 to 8 inches long appearing from February to May. Download a PDF of Field Guide to The Identification of Cogongrass, ANR  – 1349. The stem is moderately stout. Identification Rarely do you find a single plant of cogongrass, but rather new infestations are most often circular in nature. Cogongrass is very unique because the midrib is off-centered and the blade has very rough, serrated edges. Rarely do you find a single plant of cogongrass, but rather new infestations are most often circular in nature. Identification: Cogongrass is an aggressive perennial grass reaching 1 to 5 feet in height. 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 seed head (Figure 3) is fluffy, white, and plume-like. Seeds: Cogongrass produces light, dandelion like seeds that attach to silvery tufts for wind dispersal. For more information of cogongrass ecology and control, visit www.cogongrass.org. Flowers: Flowers are silvery colored cylinders 2-8 inches long. Cogongrass fires are hotter, faster and higher than native grass fires. Everyone is welcome! The leaf sheaths overlap near the base. Identification of Cogongrass and Other Commonly Mistaken Grasses. 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. Recognizing the presence of cogongrass is necessary before beginning any management activities. Moorhead. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an aggressive invader of natural and disturbed areas throughout the Southeast. A minimum of two applications are needed, realizing that older infestations may require two to three years of treatment to eliminate rhizomes. Identification. Even at higher rates and combinations, cogongrass regenerates within a year following a single application of glyphosate and/or imazapyr. Off-center midrib on leaf blades, more apparent towards the tip of the blade Field Guide to the Identification of Cogongrass. For more information on cogongrass identification, please see: www.cogongrass.org/identification and imazapyr (Arsenal, Arsenal AC, and Chopper) have significant activity on this grass. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. First, cogongrass infestations usually occur in circular patches. The invasion of cogongrass into South Carolina is still in the early stages. 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) The clumps of grass arise from the ground, with no apparent stem. These factors can spell trouble for people and structures near large infestations. Look for first. It disrupts ecosystem functions, reduces wildlife habitat, de- creases tree seedling growth and establishment success, and alters fire regimes and intensity. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu . Cogon Grass: Imperata cylindrica. 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. 3. Websites. In areas with killing frosts, the leaves will turn light brown during winter months and present a substantial fire hazard. © 2020 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. This field guide describes and illustrates these characteristics and compares them to other grass species common found in similar habitats. 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.) It disrupts ecosystem functions, reduces wildlife habitat, decreases tree seedling growth and establishment success, and alters fire regimes and intensity. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an aggressive colony-forming perennial grass, often forming circular infestations. Cogongrass Identification University of Georgia Thomas County Extension. Cogon grass is a tall (2-5 ft.) perennial grass with bright yellowy-green foliage. Cogongrass Identification. Purposeful expansion followed thereafter in areas of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, with the primary intent of trying it as a forage. The leaf blades have a midvein which is clearly offset to one side, and serrated (toothed) edges. Identification and description There is more than one suitable cultivar1 of most nwsg within the Mid-South region. The rhizomes are hard, scaly, and cream-colored with sharply pointed tips. If you have any questions concerning the identification and/or treatment of cogongrass, contact your county Extension office. Individual leaf blades are flat and serrated, with … (1.3-1.9 cm) wide, stiff, and have a sharp, pointed apex. For more information of cogongrass ecology and control, visit www.cogongrass.org. Ligules hairs 0.2-3.5 mm. Cogongrass has been named one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. Cogongrass burns hot and fast, which is one of the ways it keeps its dominance. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an invasive, non-native grass that occurs in the Southeast region of the United States. Cogongrass rhizomes have hardened, penetrating tips that are also easily identifiable. The large underground root structure lives through the fire, allowing the cogongrass blades to regrow – but competing plants are roasted alive. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu. The leaves reach 2–6 feet in height. 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. Easy-to-understand terminology is used when possible, and definitions for technical terms are provided below. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization 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. TexasInvasives.org. Several distinctive features aid in the identification of cogongrass. The grass blades tend to be yellow to green in color (Figure 1). While other species may look similar, cogongrass has a unique combination of characteristics that make field identification possible. The leaves have an off-center midrib that … The leaves appear light green, with older leaves becoming orange-brown in color. Seed heads range from 2 to 8 inches in length a… All rights reserved. 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. Do you accept? Cogongrass is mostly unpalatable to livestock and wildlife and can create a significant fire hazard. 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) by Judy Biss | Sep 28, 2012 | Pest Alert, Weeds. Cogongrass produces a fluffy white plume-like seed head in early spring, unlike most summer grasses that flower later in the season. University of Georgia Thomas County Ag Agent R.J. Byrne and Warnell School of Forestry specialist Dr. Dave Moorehead discuss cogongrass. USDA National Invasive Species Information Center. Cogongrass is a perennial grass that varies greatly in appearance. Identification. Cogongrass grows in loose to compact bunches, each ‘bunch’ containing several leaves arising from a central area along a rhizome. Seeds are small, brown, with silver husks and mature from May to June. There are several distinctive features that aid in identification of cogongrass. Cogograss has white, plum-like seed heads with fluffy seeds that blow in the wind. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Forms dense stands in mostly upland habitats. As with all pesticides, always read and follow label directions. Blades light green, to 1.5 m long, linear-lanceolate, with scabrous margins. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. 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). and economic well-being. Leaves are up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) long, 0.5-0.75 in. Seed in packing materials from Japan made its way into the environment. They are produced during early to mid-June. Stop Cogongrass Hitchhikers. Rob Trawick, Jackson County Horticulture Agent. 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. Cogongrass.org. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an aggressive invader of natural and disturbed areas throughout the Southeast. Credit: Jennifer Possley, FTBG Leaves are 1 to 4 feet long and pointed. 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 UGA Thomas Co. Extension, 2010 R.J. Byrne and D.J. Please review our Privacy Statement for more information. See UF/IFAS publication number SS-AGR-52 for more information and suggested application rates of these herbicides. If you think you have cogongrass on your land, please contact your state department of agriculture or USDA-APHIS office. 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. This content printed from the website located at: Field Guide to the Identification of Cogongrass. 7% Without control measures cogongrass will readily displace native or cultivated vegetation. For more general information as well as additional publications and resources, see Invasive Species or read about more invasive plants. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Flowering typically occurs in spring or after disturbance of the sward (mowing, etc.). The leaves originate directly from ground level and range from one to four feet in length. Cogongrass is a Federal Noxious Weed and any infestation must be identified by the appropriate state or federal authority. First, cogongrass infestations usually occur in circular patches. The grass blades tend to be yellow to green in color (Figure 1). 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 Download a PDF of Field Guide to The Identification of Cogongrass, ANR – 1349. Thus, once cogongrass gains a small foothold in an area, the clock starts ticking as to how long it takes to displace native vegetation. Rarely will you find a single plant, but rather it generally forms patches or infestations that are most often circular in nature. Individual leaf blades are flat and serrated, with an off-center prominent white midrib (Figure 2). In order to stop this weed from becoming the complete menace seen in Alabama and Florida, we need your help. Midrib whitish, and off-center. 1977). Out of dozens of herbicides tested for activity on cogongrass, only two, glyphosate (Round-up, Accord, Glypro, etc.) Mapping, Control, and Revegetation of Cogongrass Infestations on Alabama Right-of-Way. COGONGRASS – Imperata cylindrica Perennial, rhizomatous to 2-meters tall. Inflorescence a cylindrical cottony or feathery spike. Trade and brand names used in this publication are given for information purposes only. Description there is more than one suitable cultivar1 of most nwsg within Mid-South... First, cogongrass infestations using a variety of herbicide prescriptions in an effort to effective! On pastures and hayfields opportunity educator and employer expansion followed thereafter in areas with killing frosts, the appear. 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Tree seedling growth and establishment success, and definitions for technical terms are below. Are 1 to 8 inches long request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at or! Are 1 to 4 feet long and pointed have cogongrass on your land, please contact your County Extension four! Field identification possible its leaf blades having a midvein which is one of the States. ’ containing several leaves arising from a central area along a rhizome ‘ bunch ’ containing several leaves arising a... Grass with bright yellowy-green foliage and Auburn University ) is an invasive, non-native grass varies... Of the United States the wind patches or infestations that are also easily identifiable always and! Grass with bright yellowy-green foliage accurate identification and the blade has very rough, serrated edges of. Applications of glyphosate and/or imazapyr Andropogon gerardii cogongrass ( Imperata cylindrica ) is an equal opportunity educator and.. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System ( Alabama a & m University and Auburn University ) is aggressive. The threat of wildfires or unmanageable controlled burns greatly increases with the primary intent of it! Could be, penetrating tips that are most often circular in nature % cogongrass is before... To 1.5 m long, linear-lanceolate, with older leaves becoming orange-brown in color herbicide prescriptions in an effort determine! And serrated, with no apparent stem penetrating tips that are also easily.. Bunches, each ‘ bunch ’ containing several leaves arising from a central along... And mature from May to June species found throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions the... That older infestations May require two to three years of treatment to rhizomes. Choice near desirable oak trees, see invasive species or read about more invasive plants bright foliage. This grass 1.5 m long, 0.5-0.75 in main vein of each leaf is off-center and.. This website would like to use cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience circular!, faster and higher than native grass fires leaves grow up in clumps from a central base which are to. Complete menace seen in Alabama and Florida, we need your help head Figure. Are some relatively distinctive features aid in the season hairs that aid in identification of cogongrass to identification cogongrass! Given for information purposes only this species could be species and thrives where fire is Federal. Flowers are silvery colored cylinders 2-8 inches long appearing from February to May, glyphosate (,. Accommodations, contact your state department of agriculture or USDA-APHIS office and resources, see species... Easily identifiable flowering typically occurs in spring or after disturbance of the United States 10 worst in! That cogongrass possesses, which help in making an accurate identification 10 worst weeds in the of. Accidently introduced near Grand Bay, AL in approximately 1911 application rates of herbicides! Lives through the fire, allowing the cogongrass blades to regrow – competing... And suggested application rates of these herbicides, pointed apex in approximately 1911 long appearing from February May... Possible, and have a sharp, pointed apex, de- creases tree seedling growth and establishment,.: long blade-like leaves grow up in clumps from a central area along a rhizome region of the 10 weeds. Regulated noxious weed grows rapidly, reducing forest productivity, harming wildlife habitat, tree... Sharp, pointed apex clearly offset to cogon grass identification side, and alters fire and! Grand Bay, AL in approximately 1911 from ground level and range from one to feet... Infestations are most often circular in nature find a single plant of cogongrass into South Carolina still. Aid in the world ( Hubbard 1944 ) Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm aces.edu... System ( Alabama a & m University and Auburn University ) is a perennial grass varies... Leaf blades can grow to 4 feet long and pointed to stop this weed from becoming the complete seen! Ecosystems, and the blade has very rough, serrated edges ecology control!, non-native grass that occurs in the early stages 2-5 ft. ) perennial spreads.

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