Cogongrass

Imperata cylindrica

-55

Severe harm

Profile 65%

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Florida.

At a glance

Not yet recorded · Leaves · Bloom

This plant is missing most of its facts, so Quercus is looking them up in old botany books.

Recorded in 64 Florida counties.

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

Ecological relationships

7CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including FL

Genus host records with ranges including FL · Imperata

—BeesSoutheastern regional records

—Specialist beesPollen specialists

—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Growing and identification

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Hardiness · “Zones 5a–9b” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Height · “2–4 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox (ranked first; Fire Effects Information System: Imperata cylindrica differs)
Life cycle · “Perennial” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Light · “Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day); Partial shade (direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Soil · “Moist; Occasionally dry” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Spread · “2–4 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox