Invasive Plant Factsheet

First introduced in 1882 as ornamentals and still favored for their screening capabilities, these fast-growing Asian grass species are now invasive throughout the Southeast and in Mid-Atlantic natural areas. Sprouts can grow 30 inches a day, roots can travel 20 feet away from the parent plant, and infestations can spread nearly 10 miles. Do not mistake Arundinaria gigantea, a native bamboo, for these exotic invaders.
Native Alternatives
- Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush Grass)
- Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Redcedar)
- Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
- Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)






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