Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass)

Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass). . , Family: Poaceae (Grass Family), Distribution: This plant is distributed throughout the eastern United States as far west as Texas but has not yet reached northern New England. It is present in over half of West Virginia's counties., Size: Mature plants of Japanese stiltgrass can grow 2-3 ft. tall., Habitat/Description: This annual grass can be found growing in wetlands, fields, uplands, thickets, stream banks, river bluffs, floodplains, and roadside ditches. It prefers rich, moist, acidic, neutral, or basic soils that are exposed to full sun or deep shade. Soils that are high in nitrogen are also preferred. However, it is very adaptable, even in low-light conditions. The silver midrib is an easy distinguishing characteristic. In late summer or early fall, spike-like delicate inflorescences develop. Tiny, husked grain-like seeds follow the flowers. Each stiltgrass plant can produce 100-1000 seeds. Seeds are dispersed by foot traffic, wildlife, and water. Deer typically browse neighboring native plants while avoiding this plant. These factors contribute to the invasiveness of Japanese stiltgrass because disturbances and lack of competition allow it to spread rapidly. In addition, this grass often out-competes any remaining neighboring native understory plants. When the plants die, they can leave a mat of dead material that overlies and essentially smothers species underneath. This is a non-native species that is seriously invasive., Ethnobotanical Uses: Japanese stiltgrass is native to China, India, Malaysia, Korea and Japan. This invasive grass was likely introduced to the United States through international shipments. It is suspected that the grass escaped while being used as a packing material for Chinese porcelain. It was first discovered near Knoxville, Tennessee in 1919. It has no other known ethnobotanical uses.