Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch.

Cogon Grass; Cotton Grass; Satin tail

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Cogon Grass is an introduced rhizomatous perennial in the Grass family (Poaceae). It is native to large areas of Asia, Australia, and Africa, and has been widely introduced in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. It can be found throughout Alabama, with the largest populations in the southwest portions of the state. Cogon Grass grows on roadsides, in pine forests and savannas, in field margins, in pastures and prairies, on glades, and in lawns. It is a perennial warm season grass forming extensive colonies from rhizomes. The plants grow from 1-6 feet in height, with no apparent above ground stem (the leaves arising directly from the base). The leaves are linear, 1-5 feet in length, 0.5-1 inch in width, yellowish green in color, with minutely serrate margins. The midrib is white in color and often off-center. The collar region (junction of the leaf blade and sheath) is pubescent. Flowers are produced in dense erect cylindrical panicles. The panicles are purplish-silver in flower, becoming white as the seed mature. The seed is an ovate brown grain with long white hairs. Cogon Grass was used as a packing material for shipments of china and produce from Asia and became established around the port of Mobile in the early 1900’s. It was also planted as a potential forage grass and for erosion control in several southeastern states. It is considered one of the world's 10 worst weeds, and is listed as a noxious weed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cogon Grass not only forms dense stands that eliminate native vegetation, but is also highly flammable, increasing the frequency and intensity of fires.—A. Diamond.

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Not Native

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