Japanese Stiltgrass
Microstegium vimineum · Warm-season, annual, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed
Hardiness Zones
USDA zones 5 to 9, highly adaptable to northern temperate regions and the American Southeast.
About This Grass
Leggy, delicate-looking annual growing up to 3 feet tall with pale green, asymmetric leaves and a spike-like seed head.
Blade Characteristics
Flat, lance-shaped blades up to 3 inches long and 0.5 inches wide, featuring a distinct off-center silvery stripe down the middle.
Growing Information
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous, sprawling habit that roots at the nodes, forming dense monocultures.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in deep shade to full sun, preferring moist, acidic soils in damp woods and floodplains.
Mowing & Maintenance
Hand-pulling, weed whacking, or herbicides before seed set in late summer; high maintenance to eradicate.
Identified on 9/24/2026