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Oplismenus undulatifolius is often confused with:
Microstegium vimineum Form
Native alternative(s) for Oplismenus undulatifolius:
Asarum canadense Pairs of leaves
Chrysogonum repens Photo of a yellow daisy-like flower
Chrysogonum virginianum Chrysogonum virginianum
Oxalis stricta Oxalis stricta habit
Pachysandra procumbens Pachysandra procumbens
Sedum ternatum Sedum ternatum
Tiarella cordifolia Tiarella cordifolia
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Cenchrus setaceus Pennisetum setaceum
Elodea densa Form blooming in water
Phragmites australis Form showing height
Oplismenus undulatifolius has some other problems:
Weed Management

Wavyleaf Basketgrass Oplismenus undulatifolius

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Oplismenus hirtellus ssp. undulatifolius
  • Oplismenus undulatifolius
Phonetic Spelling
ah-PLIS-meen-us un-dul-LAY-ti-foal-ee-us
Description

Wavyleaf basketgrass is an invasive perennial grass in the Poaceae (grass) family native to southern Europe and southern Asia. It has been found in Maryland and Virginia so far and is being watched closely for entry into NC. The NC Invasive Plant Council has it on the invasive list. There is a strong concern that it will become a serious problem in the southeast if nothing is done. Please watch out for wavyleaf basketgrass. It is unsure as to how it was introduced to the USA, possibly as a contaminant in the flower industry.

This weed grows along the ground and forms dense mats preventing other plants including tree seedlings from germinating. This shade-tolerant grass is found in full-canopy hardwood forests, forest margins, and shady riparian zones in both disturbed and undisturbed areas. 

The wavy leaves are ½” wide, 1½ - 4” long with short hairs along the leaf sheaths and stem. The plant roots along the nodes and stolons can grow several feet long. Flowers form from mid-September to November with sticky alternate spikelets. Seeds are sticky and adhere to clothes and fur. In winter the leaves turn brown.

Because the species has shallow roots, it can be easily hand pulled, which is thought to be the best method of control. Glyphosate has also been used. It is important for control to start before infestations become large.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No nature enemies are known. Listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council, Va and MD. In WI it is prohibited. Invasive in other countries also.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#high maintenance#aggressive#weedy grass#weed#shade tolerant#perennial grass
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#high maintenance#aggressive#weedy grass#weed#shade tolerant#perennial grass
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Oplismenus
    Species:
    undulatifolius
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Europe and Asia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Weed
    Habit/Form:
    Creeping
    Horizontal
    Multi-stemmed
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
    Fruit Description:
    Forms long sticky awns with 3-5 pairs of seeds that adhere to clothing and fur
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Spikelets have lower bracts and very long awns (extended pointed tips) that are sticky and reddish-purple to white. Blooms in the fall
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Undulate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The wavy green leaves are elongated ovate with sharp pointed tips. They are 1.5-5 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Sheathes and stems have short hairs
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Stems are thin and pubescent with white hairs and root at the nodes
  • Landscape:
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heavy Shade
    Problems:
    Weedy