ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Invasive stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is an annual grass native to Asia. It was first documented in the US in 1919 but can now be found in a variety of habitats across the country.
Japanese stilt grass seeds germinate readily allowing them to reproduce rapidly. When it is introduced to an area it has the ability to take over, crowding out ecologically important species. It can also have an impact on nutrient cycling and forest health.
Japanese stilt grass has thin, pale green, lance-shaped leaves, about 3 inches in length with a stripe of silver hairs down the midvein. Leaves have an alternate arrangement along a branched stalk which can grow three feet in height. Flowers are delicate and grow on spikes in late summer-fall.
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Habitat: stilt grass can be found in a wide range of soil conditions but generally prefers moist, neutral or acidic soils that are high in nitrogen.
Small populations may be pulled by hand before the plant goes to seed in August. Mowing or cutting can also be effective but should be completed before seeds are produced. Herbicides can also be effective but should be grass selective as not to harm native vegetation. All of these methods may need to be repeated annually to deplete the seed bank, which can be viable for three or more years.
For more information visit
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_010258.pdf
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/stiltgrass.shtml
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants/weeds/japanese_stiltweed.pdf
Photo Credits:
Title photo: Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org. Identification image: James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society.
PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.
EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.
COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.
CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.
RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.
INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.
Rob Williams
PRISM Coordinator
Megan Pistolese
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith
Terrestrial Invasive Species