By: Dr. Nancy J. Loewenstein School of Forestry and Wildlife
Sciences, Auburn University Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica),
sometimes called Japan grass, continues its rapid spread across
Alabama and the Southeast, reducing forest productivity,
destroying wildlife habitat and impacting rights-of ways. One
way this aggressive weed is spreading so quickly is by
hitchhiking around the state, catching rides on skidders, road
graders, mowers, food plot equipment and other forest and road
maintenance equipment. |Step 1: Learn to identify cogongrass,|
Step 2: Avoid cogongrass when possible, Step 3: Clean vehicles,
equipment and clothing after operating incontaminated areas.
Photo credit: W. Faircloth, USDA, ARS |Photo credits: C. Evans /
www.invasive.org, J. Byrd, MSU / www.invasive.org, J. Miller,
USDA FS / www.invasive.org, C. Bryson, USDA ARS /
www.invasive.org| Areas to clean and check: - radiator, grill,
undercarriage and tops of vehicles - blades, and under the deck
of bushhogs, mowers, etc. - tires, rims and t