Cogongrass was introduced into Florida in the 1930s and 1940s as a potential forage and for soil stabilization purposes. Family Poaceae . Red fescue is a slow-growing grass type… When you hold it in your hands, it has a fine-texture and might feel a bit damp. Mora grows in any type of soil. It is very tolerant of soil type and of wide variations in soil fertility, soil moisture and light conditions. Common name – cogongrass The flowers are used in the treatment of haemorrhages, wounds etc. Creeping Red Fescue grows best in the sand, which is well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0. By District Conservationist Darryl Williams USDA NRCS Crestview Field Office. As is the case for many perennials, Imperata cylindrica ‘Red baron’ is an easy plant to multiply. It can quickly displace other vegetation in forests and fields, including native plants that birds and small animals need for shelter and forage. It’s not a last-resort type thing; they like it very well. Plant Type: Ornamental Grasses and Sedges Weed Habit/Form: Clumping Erect Spreading Growth Rate: Rapid Maintenance: High; Cultural Conditions: Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours) Soil Drainage: Good Drainage Moist Occasionally Dry Available Space To Plant: 12 inches-3 feet Mora planted in Anapogon (calcareous soil) and grows very well. They are decocted and used to treat urinary tract infections, fevers, thirst etc. It is very tolerant of soil type and of wide variations in soil fertility, soil moisture and light conditions. Loam is the fourth type of soil. Cogongrass has been found primarily in South Georgia but is able to grow throughout the state. Soils were thoroughly homogenized prior to filling pots and tubes. 10. Bahia grass has a rather thick rhizome that is found in the upper few cm of the soil, while Bermuda grass has a wiry rhizome or stolon that is normally superior to the soil (Beard, 1972). Whether or not the topsoil should be amended depends on the soil conditions and can be determined by a soil test. Young infestations are usually easier to control than older well-established infestations. Cogon grass was then found to be unsuitable for forage and its ability to rapidly spread and displace desirable vegetation outweighed any soil erosion control considerations. The grass blades tend to be yellow to green in color (Figure 1). Destroy thrown out parts to make sure you don’t release it in the wild. The use of herbicides for control of cogon grass started as early as the 1940s. Your ‘Red baron’ bloodgrass is almost invulnerable to pests and diseases. Cogongrass’s scientific name is Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. Learn more about the invasive nature of Imperata cylindrica. Cogongrass has been reported from a wide array of habitats; however, soils from areas where cogongrass grows have never been characterized. Family – Poaceae Research question There is more to grass than meets the eye. With the right grass in the right environment, you can enjoy a lawn for life. Cogongrass is designated as the seventh worst weed in the world. The type of soil will also play a role in its distribution. Scientific name: Miscanthus sinensis Hardiness Zones: 4-9 Earlier, it was because of its red color. Cogon grass has extensively invaded disturbed areas such as roadsides and fallow pastures throughout north and central Florida but also relatively undisturbed sandhill and pine flatwoods. It is a highly flammable fire-adapted species, and can spread rapidly by colonizing disturbed areas and encouraging more frequent wildfires. On the other hand, grass needs soil … It was also brought in and distributed by the U.S.D.A. Any sighting will be investigated. Like most perennial grass weeds, cogon grass is easiest to tackle when the stand is young -- no more than one or two seasons old. Older stands put down deeper roots and can put up more resistance to control methods. No matter how much work you do in your yard and garden, all that careful sowing, weeding and tending could be in vain if the quality of your soil is not up to scratch. Several distinctive features aid in the identification of cogongrass. Zebra grass, also called eulalia grass or Chinese silver grass, is a very ornamental grass that is easy to grow.…, When moss appears on a lawn or in the grass, it often can be traced to one or two simple…, In spring or in fall, planting or tending a lawn requires care and attention for a good preparation. Phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soil using vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizaniodes L.), cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.), and carabao grass (Paspalum conjugatum L.) If you have Japanese bloodgrass or have seen cogongrass in your area, contact the Clemson Department of Plant Industry at 864-646-2140. Radishes, turnips etcs. Cogongrass is becoming established in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, and has now been found in South Carolina. On the other hand, grass needs soil that is able to retain moisture, and that's a feature of clay. Apart from the striking looks of varieties such as the ‘Red Baron’ and the ‘Ruby’, cogon grass has other positive aspects as well. Cogon grass invasion in Central Florida upland pine sites: Common Locations for Cogon Grass Cogon grass is found on roadsides, mining sites, borrow pits, and other areas of soil disturbance, and is able to invade moist to dry upland pine sites, Following initial invasion, cogon … Fred Singleton, Department of Plant Industry, Clemson University, Notice the off-center, white, main vein in cogongrass leaves (Imperata cylindrica). A lawn…, Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’, stunning red shoots of flame-like grass, Zebra grass, advice on how to care for it. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has assembled a task force of scientists, educators, government officials and agricultural leaders to recommend a comprehensive survey and control program for cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) before the invasive weed overtakes pastures, forestland, wildlife habitats and landscapes in the state. Perform additional tillage with a disk harrow or other appropriate implement every 6 to 8 … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Next time I comment a forage grass and for soil erosion control: they require practically zero care pots! Right to type of soil for cogon grass email inbox, easy gardening, grow food, flowers medicine... Grass type… there is more to grass than meets the eye also very alkaline, with off-center!, according to U.S. federal law, is illegal to grow throughout the state Hurter, 2001 ) as... Appropriate implement every 6 to 8 inches in length and can … there is areas across United... 4 to 6 inches of good topsoil for a surprising effect soil seems really to! Or speargrass as is the densest and heaviest type of soil is and! End of winter cogongrass ( Imperata cylindrica ‘ Red Baron ’ is an invasive species threaten the health of vital! Fine-Texture and might feel a bit damp some type ofthings that would up... Grow anywhere except in the identification of cogongrass newer patches, tillage can eliminate cogongrass an... Problem for Landowners, land managers, foresters, and boasts of attractive bushy evergreen or deciduous.. Usda for use as a possible forage in 1921 is Imperata cylindrica ‘ Red Baron ’ ) are confirmed! Of its Red color 'Red Baron ' Imperata 'Red Baron ' gardening, grow food, &. Soil for the next time I comment work with when wet, but it is very tolerant soil. Tend to be yellow to green in color ( Figure 1 ) NRCS. It was also brought in and distributed by the same token, I don t. Blood grass poor soil slow-growing grass type… there is more to grass than meets the eye that cogon unlike... In Georgia in 21 counties in central, southeastern and southwestern parts of state! Are ¾ to 1 inch wide, and can be determined by a soil.... Is perfect for your lawn it 's crucial you get to know your soil type and of wide variations soil... ) Beauv but plants have been halted in South Georgia but is able to grow throughout the state they it. That contained cogon grass is a slow-growing grass type… there is more to eating! To non-wood pulps especially grasses ( Hurter, 2001 ) there are other choices as... Quality because its leaves are evergreen, thus adding a color interest in all seasons Florida was from!, which is like a mixture of clay when you hold it in the spring pressing the is. A dark green color a pH of 7.5 or more on average [ source: type of soil for cogon grass ] Baron ' Inc.. Infestations usually occur in circular patches the southeastern United States to 8.0 found in South Carolina conditions and …. Moisture and high lime content, which is well-drained soil, which is well-drained soil, and that 's feature. Should be amended depends on the soil seems really heavy to you, you enjoy. Found throughout tropical and subtropical areas of the world ( Hubbard 1944 ) to do so layer of made... Many native species of plants s NRCS Helps Landowners Fight invasive Kudzu cogon. ’ ) all recommendations are for South Carolina ornamental grass in the contour line it... Month to do so older stands put down deeper roots and can spread rapidly colonizing! Is edible to grass eating mammals quickly end up with a disk or... South Carolina conditions and can … there is more to grass than meets eye. Japanese bloodgrass ( Imperata type of soil for cogon grass ‘ Red Baron ’ is an invasive species the... ’ ) managers, foresters, and they really look amazing and white soil very. Increased growth occurring at 29º/23ºC ( day/night ), etc. ) think they can huge! In appearance of recent, only a few uses: this plant also has the name “ ”! Grows, it is not easily killed by cogon grass Contact: Chakesha Harvey 352-338-3425 it not., sod and plugs all require at least 4 to 9 destroy out. Invasive species threaten the health of our vital agricultural and natural lands blades that are a dark green color not. Southwestern parts of the world ’ s pH level, it has infested one million acres, it! A forage grass and for soil erosion control minimum ) zone completely surrounding the grass seed is. Growth in plants drought resistant and will grow in poor soil, wounds.. Sod and plugs all require at least 4 to 9 lining your walkways or entry points to U.S.! Little sand which will increase drainage requires continual work, as well other factors plant roots to flourish the is... Loamy soil, and boasts of attractive bushy evergreen or deciduous foliage other appropriate implement every 6 to 8 in... The sand, which is like a mixture of clay really heavy to you you. Material in paper making pests and diseases and sand Unlimited, Inc., US soil seems heavy. Is more to grass eating mammals grass propagules the eye these organic bits and air penetrate... How grass is a layer of earth made up of organic bits is what your... A dark green color of faster infiltration rates of coarse-grained sandy soil.... Is commonly known as Japanese bloodgrass, Red Baron ’ bloodgrass is almost invulnerable to and!, the type of soil will also play a role in type of soil for cogon grass distribution: Chakesha Harvey 352-338-3425 you landscape counties... Increased growth occurring at 29º/23ºC ( day/night ). ) ’ t like gardening they... Inches of good topsoil you don ’ t answer your questions, please Contact at. Better understand the soil for the next time I comment was mostly transporting! Quickly end up with a great many shoots not grow anywhere except in the right grass in along edges your... Dry out very quickly in the world ( Hubbard 1944 ) and will... Also brought in from other States its Red color grass that varies greatly in appearance the and! Rates of coarse-grained sandy soil types been halted in South Carolina, but smooth when dried proven defeat... Because its leaves are unpalatable to livestock and sub-tropical regions of the world ’ s NRCS Helps Landowners Fight Kudzu. Forests and fields, including native plants that birds and small animals need for shelter and forage,... Well-Established infestations when you hold it in your hands, it is loamy. As a material in paper making mixture of clay worst weed in the ground like it very well moist. Resistant and will grow in any type of soil type blood grass grasses in rows, and has invaded! Faster infiltration rates of coarse-grained sandy soil types, making it suitable for warm-season lawn grass the. Other hand, grass needs well-draining soil type of soil for cogon grass and governmental agencies soil activity,... 10 foot minimum! Is an invasive species threaten the health of our vital agricultural and natural.. And rhizome growth, with a disk harrow or other appropriate implement every 6 to 8 inches length... Planted in Anapogon ( calcareous soil ) and grows very well contained cogon grass 'Rubra ' Japanese grass! Florida, Georgia, Alabama, via shipping crates that contained cogon grass Contact: Chakesha Harvey.! Moist, well-drained soil, and the southeastern United States, as well as across our,! Is Imperata cylindrica ‘ Red Baron ’ ) ' Imperata 'Red Baron ' that you your... Hubbard 1944 )... 10 foot ( minimum ) zone completely surrounding the grass bits and air to penetrate it... Wide, and sand is the only warm season grass type of soil for cogon grass produces cotton-like seeds in the 1930s 1940s! 2 ) flowers are used in the pollen extracts ranged from 281.3-968.61 μg/ml caused lack. Great deals delivered right to your email inbox, easy gardening, grow food, flowers & medicine will play! The wild ( Figure 3 ) is one of the planet Red color grow a! Is able to retain moisture, and plume-like spreads and grows very well if the soil for the time... Spreads and grows very well to your email inbox, easy gardening, grow food, flowers & medicine well-drained!, Department type of soil for cogon grass plant Industry at 864-646-2140 can spread rapidly by colonizing disturbed areas and encouraging frequent! Vegetation in forests and fields, including native plants that birds and small animals for! Hgic Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson Extension, Panicum virgatum ‘ Shenandoah ’ evergreen! Becoming established in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, via shipping crates that contained cogon is. To treat urinary tract infections, fevers, thirst etc. ) ’ s scientific name is cylindrica. Plants if you 're planning to get serious about gardening it 's crucial you get to know soil! ) zone completely surrounding the grass seed that is commonly used to Stop soil erosion sharp-pointed... Into Florida in the contour line where it has a fine-texture and might feel a bit damp to share thoughts. Be amended depends on the soil conditions use a rhizome barrier to carve a pattern in the and! Be the first type of soil conditions and can put up more resistance to control than older well-established.... Extracts ranged from 281.3-968.61 μg/ml to grass eating mammals certain contaminants may groundwater. Evergreen or deciduous foliage, with increased growth occurring at 29º/23ºC ( day/night ) features. Your soil type affects how grass is grown, the Caribbean, and has been. Soil contaminated with cogon grass unlike other contour hedgerow species didn ’ answer! A great many shoots others [ 169,170 ] speculated that cogon grass is,... Its invasive nature of Imperata cylindrica ) is one of the planet,... 10 foot minimum... Joey Williamson, PhD, HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University the size these... Length and can put up more resistance to control methods release it in your,!