Cogongrass is an invasive exotic grass found on public and private property, along roadways, in forests, and on farmland. This federally regulated noxious weed grows rapidly, reducing forest productivity, harming wildlife habitat and ecosystems, and encroaching on pastures and hayfields.

Is cogongrass an invasive species?

Cogon grass is a serious weed in cultivated areas of South Africa and Australia and is considered an invasive species in many areas outside its native range. Some cultivars are grown as ornamentals, and the plant is commonly used for erosion control.

Where is cogongrass native to?

Cogon grass is native to East Africa and Asia. It was introduced accidentally as packing material (like Japanese stiltgrass) and in the ballast water of ships and was first found in Grand Bay, Alabama in 1912.

What is the biggest threat of cogongrass?

Cogongrass is a growing threat as it continues its rapid spread across the Southeast, reducing forest and pasture productivity, destroying wildlife habitat, impacting rights of ways and presenting an extreme fire hazard.

What are the benefits of Cogon grass?

There are only a few localized benefits of cogon grass. These include use for thatch, forage, erosion control, paper making, and bedding material for livestock.

What are the advantages of Imperata cylindrica?

Imperata cylindrica is naturally antibacterial and has astringent properties, so it has been used to treat skin ailments and wounds. When ingested, it also has diuretic properties. Ayurvedic medicine in India and traditional Chinese medicine both use it to treat gastrointestinal and urinary tract issues as well.

How does cogongrass spread?

Each cogongrass plant produces as many as 3,000 wind-dispersed seeds that can germinate on disturbed soil. Cogongrass also spreads by underground stems known as rhizomes that form dense mats reaching deep into the soil. The rhizomes have pointed tips that are sharp enough to pierce the roots of nearby plants.

Why is cogongrass a problem?

Cogongrass fires are hotter, faster and higher than native grass fires. These factors can spell trouble for people and structures near large infestations. Cogongrass not only replaces native plants, on which wildlife feed, it also has very high silica content, and therefore is unpalatable to native wildlife.

Why is cogongrass considered invasive?

Cogongrass not only replaces native plants, on which wildlife feed, it also has very high silica content, and therefore is unpalatable to native wildlife. The leaves are very stiff and can cut the mouths and damage the teeth of wildlife that attempt to ingest it.

Can you eat cogon grass?

Just Kill It! Cogongrass is a horrible weed.

What is the importance of weeds to agriculture?

Weeds are important biotic constraint to food production. Weeds compete with crops for the same resources, basically water, nutrients, light and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, they are alternate hosts for crop pests and pathogens.

Where does cogongrass come from?

This aggressive species, native to Southeast Asia, has spread rapidly across the Deep South over the past few decades. Cogongrass is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world, causing both economic and ecological damages that impact forestry, agriculture, rangeland, and natural ecosystems.

Is cogongrass invasive in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is notifying the public that a new invasive grass species, Cogongrass, has been confirmed in Arkansas for the first time. For several years botanists and land managers have been on the lookout for Cogongrass ( Imperata cylindrica) in southern Arkansas.

What is the best way to control cogongrass?

Broadcasting or drilling Roundup Ready soybeans into cogongrass, followed by glyphosate applications, has been a very effective control method. Plant Profile – USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Plants Database

How do I report a cogongrass sighting?

Report a potential cogongrass sighting (link is external) online or call your local GFC Forester (link is external). Mississippi Forestry Commission. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Alabama Forestry Commission. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Mississippi State University.