MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – During the summer, green plant life grows all across northeast Wisconsin, but some of these green plants may be harmful to other species.
Native to Southeast Asia, Japanese Stiltgrass made its first U.S. appearance back in 1919 via packing material in porcelain shipments to Tennessee. Its distribution has since spread widely throughout many regions nationwide.
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New reports of this plant species reaching Wisconsin have prompted the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to seek help containing the spread. The species is not easily identifiable, according to Mark Renz, a Plant and Agroecosystems Sciences Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“It’s a grass; we essentially look for a white ridge as well as a specific shape, but if you’re unfamiliar with it, it can be hard to identify.”
The effects of the species can be quite detrimental. In the formation of dense mats, native plant growth can be diminished, reducing biodiversity and preventing regeneration. Native animals and insects can also see consequences from the alteration of their natural environment and the thick thatch buildup can pose a fire risk in drier months.
Management strategies can be vast for this species, as prevention and early detection are the most crucial parts.
Mechanical control, such as weed pulling and mowing, can be effective; however, some other strategies, such as chemical control including pre-emergence herbicides and post-emergence herbicides, can be used in more dramatic approaches.
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Long-term strategies are common with this species, which can mean 3 to 7+ years of repeated treatment.
Additional resources and tips for identifying and reporting Japanese Stilt grass can be found at the Wisconsin DNR website.
