Description

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), also known as Nepalese browntop and Asian stiltgrass, replaces native vegetation in a wide range of ecosystems including forested floodplains, forest edges, stream banks, fields, trails, and ditches. It thrives as a weed in lawns and gardens. Japanese stiltgrass grows well in many light conditions (from deeply shaded hemlock forests to sunny open fields), prefers damp conditions, and often can be found in disturbed areas. It expands into dense stands of grass that prevent desirable vegetation from growing.

Identification features - lhprism

Leaves: Stiltgrass leaves have a distinctive silver stripe running along the mid-rib
Growth Form: Forms dense lawns and patches at woodland margins and otherwise semi-open areas

habitat - wnyprism

Japanese stiltgrass is especially adapted to low light conditions, but will still thrive in a wide range of habitats including woodlands, floodplains, streambanks, open fields, yards and roadsides.

impacts - wnyprism

Japanese stiltgrass quickly spreads to form extensive mats that displace native plants and plant communities. It can also change soil nutrient cycling processes, inhibit tree survival and growth, and reduce light availability. After it dies back in late fall, it forms a thick layer of smothering thatch that is slow to decompose and may create a fire hazard. Japanese stiltgrass produces a lot of seed, which is easily spread by mowers, deer, people, and flood waters.

management - wnyprism

Manual and herbicide treatments are commonly used for control of this plant, and both have been demonstrated to be successful.
Hand-pulling can be very effective for small populations, but because this action disturbs the soil and may expose stiltgrass seed from previous seasons, hand-pulling will need to be repeated for many seasons until the seed bank is depleted. In addition, soil disturbance favors the establishment of other invasive species.
Japanese stiltgrass is highly susceptible to herbicides including glyphosate and grass-specific products. This is the preferred method of removal for larger populations where hand-pulling is not feasible.
Mechanical removal such as mowing is not recommended.

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