Invasive, Exotic Plants of the Southeast

Cogongrass

Common Name: Cogongrass, Japanese Blood Grass

Scientific Name: Imperata cylindrica

Identification: Cogongrass is an aggressive perennial grass reaching 1 to 5 feet in height.  Leaves are 1 to 4 feet long and pointed.  The stem is moderately stout.  The flowers are silky panicles, 1 to 8 inches long appearing from February to May.  Seeds are small, brown, with silver husks and mature from May to June.

Ecology: Cogongrass is adaptable to a variety of environmental conditions.  It grows rapidly and colonizes by rhizomes, wind dispersed seeds, and is promoted by burning.  Cogongrass invades right-of-ways, forests, fields, and pastures.  Few wildlife species use Cogongrass.

Plant Control: Cogongrass can be difficult to control. Dense patches can be treated with 5% glyphosate and surfactant solution in late summer. Monitor and re-treat annually until control is achieved. 
 
Alternative Native Species: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), Splitbeard Bluestem (Andropogon ternarius), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

When using herbicides remember to follow label-recommendations.  Any mention of trade, products, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University.

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