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Japanese stiltgrass

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is an invasive plant found in many habitats, including forests, wetlands and disturbed areas.

Because of how fast it spreads, it can disturb ecosystems by out-competing native plants and affecting bird nests and other wildlife.

Japanese stiltgrass spreads when its seeds attach to clothing or animal fur. Seeds can also be found on muddy car tires and shoes. Bird seed, soil, nursery stock and hay can also be contaminated with Japanese stiltgrass.

Report a Japanese stiltgrass sighting

Where it's found

Japanese stiltgrass has been confirmed in a small population under official control in southern Ontario, including:

What you can do

How to spot it

Japanese stiltgrass is an annual grass that sprawls across the floors of disturbed areas, forests and wetlands, as it prefers lower light. Stems can grow up to 1 m tall and have many branches. Leaf blades are thin, pale green and tapered at both ends. In late summer, slender flower spikes are found at the end of the stems. Plants develop a slightly purplish colour in autumn.

What we are doing

Japanese stiltgrass is regulated as a pest in Canada under the Plant Protection Act. Importation and domestic movement of regulated plants and their propagative parts is prohibited.

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