Invasive Weeds in Georgia

Evans, C.W., C.T. Bargeron, D.J. Moorhead & G.K. Douce. 2005. The Bugwood Network, The University of Georgia.

Nepalese browntop

Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus

Nepalese browntop, also called Japanese stiltgrass, is a delicate, sprawling, annual grass that is 1/2 to 3 feet in height. Alternate leaves are short, flat, and lance-shaped and are pale green with off-center veins. Stems often have multiple branches. Flowers grow in delicate spikes that emerge from slender tips. Seeds are prolific and can remain on the plant into winter.

Nepalese browntop is native to Asia and was accidentally introduced into America sometime around 1920. It has historically been used as packing material for porcelain, which may explain its accidental introduction. It has little current use and is not intentionally planted. It is found throughout the eastern United States and in north and middle Georgia.

Most commonly an invader of forested floodplains, Nepalese browntop is also found in ditches, forest edges, fields, and trails. It is dispersed chiefly by flood waters, but the seeds can be dispersed on the fur of animals and the clothes of hikers. It is a prolific seeder, producing 100-1000 seeds per plant. It is very shade-tolerant and can displace vegetation native to floodplains.

Recommended herbicides for control:
Foliar spray – glyphosate or Vantage

Photo by Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society