Is Japanese Stiltgrass lurking on your property with plans to take over the world? This obnoxious invasive started its journey in Tennessee, sauntered into the Eastern states and is now galloping into the Midwest.
Keep an eagle eye out for this persistent and highly invasive annual weed. It flowers around the end of August and then produces seeds--tons of them. One plant can produce up to 1,000 seeds that live in the soil for five years. It can also spread by rooting from stem nodes that touch the ground. Do not let this plant go to seed or you’ll be battling it for the rest of your life.
Not only does stiltgrass spread rapidly and totally blanket the ground, it chokes out grass (got your attention now, don’t I, guys?) and almost anything else in its way. Here's the rest of the bad news: it’s highly flammable and deer won’t eat it.
Stiltgrass grows two to three and a half feet tall and looks like a miniature bamboo. You can recognize it from the silvery stripe down the center of its leaves. Luckily, it’s shallow-rooted and easy to pull up.
In addition to hand pulling, I’ve used Weed-Aside (an herbicidal soap from Gardens Alive) with great success. I spray in spring, when stiltgrass is still a baby. In my experience, Weed-aside kills stiltgrass as long as it's no taller than five inches in height. When it grows taller, I have to hand-pull it--and I have to keep after it all season. It’s like the energy bunny.
For information on stiltgrass and other invasive plants, go to Plant Conservation Alliance’s least wanted list of invasive plants.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
August 9, 2008
Hypertufa
Learn the basics of making your own garden trough in this popular hands-on workshop. Details will be sent upon registration. Limited to 15 participants. Cost: $15 (includes materials)
September 13, 2008
Fall/Winter Garden Prep & Composting
Not sure what to do? Learn the steps for proper garden maintenance and how to compost at the same time. Take home a free compost bin. Cost: $10
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save.
For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form.
