S. Luke Flory

Department of Biology

Indiana University

Introduction

Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) is a non-native annual grass that was introduced to the southeastern U.S. from Asia in the early 1900s. Following a lag period of more than 60 years, it became highly invasive and is now found throughout the eastern U.S. Microstegium is listed as an invasive species in more than 20 states from New York to Florida, from the eastern seaboard to Missouri. It is often found invading along roads, trails, and streams but can colonize a variety of habitats including sunny, open ridgetops and bottomland riparian habitats. Areas that have recently been naturally or anthropogenically disturbed (e.g. windthrows or timber harvests) are especially vulnerable to invasions. Microstegium produces abundant seed, spreads quickly, and can require years of management to eradicate. Natural areas managers should be diligent in locating and eradicating new populations.

Download a complete copy of Dr. Flory's Management of Microstegium vimineum paper.