Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc.

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Japanese Stilt Grass

Japanese Stilt Grass

Japanese Stilt Grass

(Microstegium vimineum)

Annual grass that is generally 1-3’ tall but will also spread in a mat-like manner. The stems are hairless and branched with upward-pointing tips. Japanese stilt grass can spread vegetatively by rooting at the nodes as well as by seed.

 

Other names for this plant include:

  • Common names: Nepalese browntop, Chinese packing grass, bamboograss
  • Scientific names: Eulalia viminea; M. aristulatum

Ecological threat:

  • Prefers wetlands, streambanks, ditches, mesic forests, floodplains where its large seed bank can be spread by moving water.
  • Out-competes native plants in low light conditions.