Plant Profile: Microstegium vimineum

Japanese stilt grass is a summer annual weed that can reach heights of up to 3.5 feet and has the ability to root at each node, allowing it to produce new plants. This species was unintentionally brought to Tennessee around 1919 when it was used as packing material for porcelain imported from China. Since then, it has proliferated across 26 states, mainly in the eastern and central regions, invading both disturbed and undisturbed environments.

While it thrives in partially shaded, moist conditions, Japanese stilt grass is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of soils and environments. It propagates through both seeds and vegetative means and is recognized as an invasive species in multiple states.