Stop Cogongrass Hitchikers

August 23, 2007

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By: Dr. Nancy J. Loewenstein
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), sometimes called Japan grass, continues its rapid spread across Alabama and the Southeast, reducing forest productivity, destroying wildlife habitat and impacting rights-of ways.  One way this aggressive weed is spreading so quickly is by hitchhiking around the state, catching rides on skidders, road graders, mowers, food plot equipment and other forest and road maintenance equipment.

Help slow the spread of cogongrass by
following these three steps:

Step 1: Learn to identify cogongrass,
Step 2: Avoid cogongrass when possible,
Step 3: Clean vehicles, equipment and clothing after operating incontaminated areas.		Cogongrass on equipment
Photo credit: W. Faircloth, USDA, ARS

Learn how to identify cogongrass

  • Leaves - ½ - 1 inch wide, 1-6 feet tall; edge of leaves is rough like sandpaper; often yellowish-green in
    color with whitish midrib that is generally off-center especially near the base of the leaves; leaves brown after a freeze.
  • Flowers - 2-8" in length, silvery white in color; seeds also silvery white, light and fluffy, will blow off like dandelion seeds; blooms spring or early summer, or after disturbance.
  • Plant base - no apparent stem so leaves appear to almost arise directly from the ground, plants are more spread out than clumped.
  • Rhizome/roots - dense mat of light-colored rhizomes (underground stems) that are covered in flaky scales, are strongly segmented and have sharp points.
  • Whole plant -plants grow in dense, often circular patches.


leavesseed headrootscogongrass on side of road
Photo credits:  C. Evans / www.invasive.org, J. Byrd, MSU / www.invasive.org, J. Miller, USDA FS / www.invasive.org, C. Bryson, USDA ARS / www.invasive.org

Clean equipment after operating in infested areas

If working in areas infested with cogongrass is unavoidable, clean vehicles, equipment and clothing before moving to an uncontaminated site. Cogongrass is a Federal and State Noxious Weed and it is illegal to transport plants, seeds or plant parts. Cleaning vehicles and equipment in the field may be a challenge, but do the best you can. Every little bit helps and it will keep you from breaking the law!

Areas to clean and check:

  • radiator, grill, undercarriage and tops of vehicles
  • blades, and under the deck of bushhogs, mowers, etc.
  • tires, rims and tracks
  • places where seeds and rhizomes can stick to grease and mud (seals, bearings, etc.)
  • clothing (especially wrinkles, cuffs and hats)

equipment

Photo credit: W. Faircloth, USDA ARS

If water is available, a pressure washer is the best tool for the job. If water is not available, use a broom and a shovel to dislodge as much seed and rhizome material as possible. When in the field, follow best management practices:

  • do not wash off parts of the machine that have oil buildup
  • do not use chemical detergents
  • do not wash in a location where water runoff will reach a stream
  • clean in an open site that can be monitored and any new cogongrass plants eradicated

Also schedule a thorough cleaning at a garage or other facility as often as possible.

For more information about cogongrass and its control visit http://www.cogongrass.org
Or, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties
or look in your telephone directory under your county's name
to find contact information.


Posted by root at August 23, 2007 03:42 PM