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Cogongrass

Imperata cylindrica

Found in roadsides, fields and disturbed ground. FloraQuest, phone app (app page) What its natural habitat tells you

-55
Severe harm

Not native to Virginia. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 65%

Height
2–4 feet
Spread
2–4 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Somewhat dry to moist

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Virginia.

At a glance

Life cycle
Perennial

Not yet recorded · Leaves · Bloom

Bloom: recorded only in the FloraQuest: Carolinas, Georgia (Southeastern Flora Team) phone app (app page).

Leaves: no source found yet.

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

Recorded in 1 Virginia county.

Natural habitats

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

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

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

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

4CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including VA

Genus host records with ranges including VA · Imperata

  • Anatrytone loganDelaware Skipper, Logan Skipper, Black-Vein Skipper
  • Lerema acciusClouded Skipper, Corn Leaf tier
  • Lerodea eufalaEufala Skipper, Gray Skipper, Rice Leafroller
  • Nastra lherminierSwarthy Skipper
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Poaceae
Hardiness
Zones 5a–9b

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

Growing sources and scope

Conservation status

Virginia rankSNA
Global rankGNR
VA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Native alternatives

Find natives for your garden

Sources