Cogon Grass Imperata cylindrica

Japanese Bloodgrass is an extremely aggressive weed that is considered invasive in North Carolina.  It probably originated in Africa and Asia and was accidentally introduced in LA in 1912 and then intentionally to FL in the 1930s. It was used as packing material in the past and then for erosion control and animal forage. It quickly spread and invaded areas such as pastures, fallow fields, forests, and highway and powerline rights-of-way. It spreads rapidly through scaly rhizomes and quickly becomes difficult to manage. It is also highly flammable and increases the risk of wildfires. The plant regenerates after a fire and quickly takes over an area.

The green leaves grow up to 30 inches tall and 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide. They are finely toothed and embedded with sharp silica crystals. The rhizomes are extensive and can penetrate 2-4 feet deep. It rarely flowers in its northern range. In more tropical areas it freely flowers with 16-inch panicle inflorescences. 

There is a cultivar called 'Red Baron' that is supposedly sterile but it has been known to break sterility and revert back to the green form. It is not wise to plant this cultivar either.

This grass is considered the seventh worst weed in the world and listed as a federal noxious weed by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Plant Protection and Quarantine. See alternative grasses to grow to the left.

Fire Risk: This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home.  Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems.  This plant is invasive.