Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is a summer annual grass that generally grows 1-3 feet in a branching, sprawling, mat-like manner. Its pale green leaves alternate along a branched stalk, and it resembles a small bamboo plant. Leaves are narrow and lightly hairy. One feature to notice is the pale stripe of hair along the midrib of the upper leaf surface. Japanese stiltgrass spreads rapidly, and out-competes native vegetation in areas of low light.

Maintain a dense, actively growing turf through proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering practices. Mow at the proper height for your selected adapted turfgrass. Coring and traffic control reduce compaction and encourage desirable turfgrass competition. It is best to control this summer annual broadleaf weed in late spring or early summer because it is easier to control at this time and the turf will have a greater chance of recovering the areas previously occupied by weeds.

• SEEDHEAD / FLOWER
  • one or more spike-like raceme
• VERNATION TYPE
  • rolled
• LIGULE TYPE
  • membranous with hairs on the back
• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • summer annual weed
• AURICLE TYPE
  • absent
• LEAF BLADE TIP SHAPE
  • sharp-pointed; leaves are asymmetrical (midvein does not divide the leaf into two equal parts)
    Figure 1
• LEAF BLADE WIDTH
  • 0.12 - 0.4 inches (3 - 10 mm) wide
• STOLON PRESENCE
  • absent
• RHIZOME PRESENCE
  • absent
• SHEATH TYPE
  • round

Figure 1. Japanese stiltgrass.

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Figure 1. Japanese stiltgrass.

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