Japanese Stiltgrass
Microstegium vimineum · Warm-season, annual, C4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive
Hardiness Zones
USDA zones 5 to 9, exhibiting high cold and shade tolerance with complete winter dieback as an annual.
About This Grass
Slender, delicate stem up to 3 feet long with a pale green color and delicate texture; produces a terminal and axillary spikelet seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Asymmetrical, lance-shaped leaves 1 to 3 inches long and up to half an inch wide with a distinctive off-center silvery midrib.
Growing Information
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous, spreading rapidly and forming dense mats by rooting at lower nodes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in shade to partial sun and moist soils, highly adaptable to various pH levels.
Mowing & Maintenance
Low mowing eliminates seed production; difficult to control and treated as an invasive weed requiring manual pulling or herbicide.
Identified on 9/27/2026