Microstegium, Genus, vimineum, Species,
- Genus & species
Japanese stiltgrass
SunFull Sun – Part Shade – Full Shade
WaterMedium
Overview
Microstegium vimineum is a sprawling annual grass reaching 1-3.5 feet (30-100 cm) long, with thin, branching stems that lean on other plants or trail along the ground and root where the lower nodes touch soil. The pale green lance-shaped leaf blades are 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long and 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) wide, marked by a glossy off-center silvery line of reflective hairs along the midrib, a key identifying feature. From late summer into fall it produces slender spike-like flower stalks 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, bearing both open wind-pollinated flowers and hidden self-pollinating ones, and a single plant can shed hundreds to over a thousand seeds. The seed stays viable in the soil for several years. It grows in shade and partial sun on moist, disturbed ground such as woodland floors, trail edges, floodplains, and ditches, forming dense mats that smother low native plants. It is a widespread invasive grass in eastern North America, spread along trails, streams, and roadsides. The whole plant dies with the first frost, leaving thatch that suppresses other seedlings.
Native Range
Microstegium vimineum is native to temperate and tropical Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, and India, where it grows in moist, shaded habitats. It was introduced to North America in the early 1900s and has spread across much of the eastern United States.Suggested Uses
Microstegium vimineum has no garden use and is listed as a noxious or invasive weed in many eastern states. It is the target of removal in woodlands, parks, and natural areas, where it displaces native ground flora. Land managers track and control it along trails, streams, and roadsides where it spreads.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'6"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Slender flower spikes appear from late summer into fall, generally August to October, shortly before the plant dies. It carries both open wind-pollinated flowers and closed self-pollinating ones, so it sets seed even in deep shade. Seed drops through fall and can remain viable in the soil for three to five years.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
pale greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs