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An upclose look at cogongrass
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Cogongrass in a field
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This weed is notoriously hard to eradicate
Designated one of the top ten worst weeds in the world, cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) pushes out native plants and forms dense stands of the sharp, highly flammable grass. Because of its sharp blades, cogongrass is also unpalatable to most animals. This weed thrives on roadsides and in forests, where it destroys biodiversity and becomes a fire hazard. Not only does cogongrass increase the risk for wildfire, but the grass burns so quickly and hot that it can interfere with prescribed burns commonly used by land managers.
Cogongrass flowers April through July with fluffy, white inflorescences. Characterized by bright green, stiff blades that arise directly from the ground, the plant has no apparent stem. The rhizome is particularly sharp, but please do not try to dig up any suspected cogongrass. Damaging the rhizome can actually propagate the weed, spreading the infestation.
The known locations of cogongrass in South Carolina are relatively small infestations, but the weed is notoriously hard to eradicate. Clemson University is still monitoring and treating the site in Hampton County where cogongrass was first found in South Carolina in 1987.
You can help us stop the spread in South Carolina by learning to recognize and report cogongrass. Visit our website for more information.