Microstegium vimineum

Microstegium viminium is native to many parts of Asia from Turkey in the west to Japan in the east. In East Asia it is found in China, Japan, the Russian Far East, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. In South East Asia its native range includes Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. In South Asia it occurs in Bhutan, India, and Nepal. In West Asia, particularly in the Caucasus and the Black Sea and Caspian Sea coasts, it can be found in Turkey, Georgia (country), Iran, and in Sochi in Russia.[5][6]

The species has also been introduced extensively beyond its native range. In North America it is established throughout the Midwestern United States, the Southeastern United States, the West South Central United States, the Northeastern United States, and southern Ontario in Canada.[5][6]

It typically grows to heights between 40 and 100 cm (1.3 and 3.3 ft) and is capable of rooting at each node. The plant flowers in late summer and produces its seeds in the form of a caryopsis shortly thereafter.[5][6] It is quite similar to and often grows along with the North American grass Leersia virginica, but L. virginica lacks the distinctive silver stripe on the center of the leaf that is present on Japanese stiltgrass and also flowers one to two months earlier.[5][7]

The plant is known to be a common habitat for ticks such as the lone star tick. Browsing deer often transport these ticks into other areas where they can expand.

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  At Congaree National Park, South Carolina, United States
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  At Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas, USA
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  Near a stream in Central New Jersey, USA
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  Illustration from Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species
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  Seeds (caryopses)

Infestation spreading for acres in partially closed-canopy, mesic forest, Greenbelt

The plant was accidentally introduced into the U.S. state of Tennessee around 1919 as a result of being used as a packing material in shipments of porcelain from China. It has spread throughout the Southeastern U.S. and is now found in 26 states.[8] Microstegium vimineum most commonly invades along roads, floodplain and other disturbed areas, but will also invade undisturbed habitats.[9][10][11] Whitetail deer, which do not browse the grass, may facilitate spread by browsing on native species and thereby reducing competition for the exotic plant.[12] Invasion of Microstegium can reduce growth and flowering of native species,[13] suppress native plant communities,[14] alter and suppress insect communities,[15] slow plant succession[16] and alter nutrient cycling.[17][18] However, removal of Microstegium can lead to recovery of native plant communities.[19][20][21]

Stiltgrass is currently an invasive foreign species in the United States, and if not eradicated, will quickly spread and take over lawns and woodland floors. The seed can remain viable in the ground for several years. It can be managed best before it sets seed. In the mid western states, this is usually at the beginning of September.

As this grass is an annual, in order to be effective, mowing must be performed before the plants go to seed.[22][23]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Microstegium vimineum.

• NPS Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas: Japanese Stilt Grass
• Maine Invasive Plants: Japanese Stilt Grass, University of Maine
• Species Profile of Microstegium vimineum (Japanese Stilt Grass)—United States National Agricultural Library, National Invasive Species Information Center. Lists general information and resources for Japanese stilt grass
• Microstegium vimineum in Guide to Invasive and Hegemonic Grasses
• Japanese stilt grass | Wisconsin DNR
• Japanese stiltgrass - Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin