Cogongrass
Imperata cylindrica
Also known as Japanese blood grass
Plants that are present in Utah, appear to be arriving in nursery stock or seed, and are being sold as ornamentals. This is now illegal.
Background
Native to Asia and Africa, several cultivars of cogongrass are grown as ornamentals. It is an aggressive weed of forests, roadsides, and disturbed areas, and is tolerant of a wide variety of growing conditions. The plant is highly flammable and fire tolerant. Cogongrass is a designated federal noxious weed.
Description
A perennial rhizomatous grass that can grow over 4 feet tall. The plant is yellowish-green, sometimes changing to red in autumn. It grows in dense patches and reproduces by seed and segmented, sharp- tipped, scaly rhizomes. Fragmented rhizomes can easily generate new plants. Leaves have a dominant off-centered whitish vein. Cogongrass produces silky white flower heads in spring.
Control
This plant is not known to be in Utah outside of ornamental gardens. Do not buy cogongrass from nurseries.
