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Native alternative(s) for Imperata cylindrica:
Andropogon ternarius Andropogon ternarius
Panicum virgatum Panicum virgatum
Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium scoparius
Sorghastrum nutans Form (Lambton, Toronto, ON)-Early Fall
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Elaeagnus pungens Form
Vitex trifolia subsp. litoralis Flowers
Clematis terniflora form in landscape on arbor in late summer

Cogon Grass Imperata cylindrica

Other Common Name(s):

This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
Description

Japanese Bloodgrass is an extremely aggressive weed that is considered invasive in North Carolina.  It spreads rapidly through scaly rhizomes and quickly becomes difficult to manage.  It has green leaf blades and rarely flowers.

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

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Rubra'
Tags:
#invasive#drought tolerant#weeds#weedy#high maintenance#air pollution tolerant#fast growing#aggressive#self-seeding#poor soils tolerant#black walnut toxicity tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Rubra'
Tags:
#invasive#drought tolerant#weeds#weedy#high maintenance#air pollution tolerant#fast growing#aggressive#self-seeding#poor soils tolerant#black walnut toxicity tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Imperata
    Species:
    cylindrica
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    It has been used in traditional medicines.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Africa, Europe, Asia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Weed
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Raceme
    Flower Description:
    Infrequently flowers in northern parts of its growing region but flowers freely in tropical areas. 16" long panicle that branch out into racemes.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Basal stiff leaf blades are yellow green 3/4" wide and 30" long with tiny serrated margins, light green or white mid ribs that are of center and pointed tips.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Drought
    Pollution
    Poor Soil
    Problems:
    Invasive Species
    Weedy