A Nasty Plant
Cogongrass is an exotic invasive species of grass found in South Georgia that has become an increasing threat to agriculture, forestry, and wildlife. It is considered one of the “World’s Worst Weeds” and is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cogongrass is extremely invasive, provides poor wildlife habitat, and competes with growing seedling trees. It is also highly flammable and can present a wildfire hazard. Cogongrass has some distinctive features that aid in identification. It grows in patches or infestations, often circular in outline. Plants within a patch vary in height, from one to five feet. Leaves are yellowish green and are 12 to 30 inches long and one-half to one inch wide. In late March through mid June, cogongrass produces fluffy, white, plume-like seed heads. This is in contrast to most summer grasses which flower later in the season. The leaves sometimes turn a reddish color in the fall.
Viewer Tip: If you find a patch of cogongrass, note the location and report it to the Georgia Forestry Commission at 1-800-GATREES. They will treat infestations at no cost to landowners. If you walk through cogongrass, clean your shoes and clothes in the area to keep from spreading the seeds to new locations.
View a photo of cogongrass from the Plant Conservation Alliance: www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/imcy1.htm.
This information was provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit www.gwf.org.
