Skaneateles Conservation Area/Invasive species/Microstegium vimineum

Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass )
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) also called Nepalese browntop, is an aggressive invader of eastern forests. Infestations can impact the diversity of native species, reduce wildlife habitat, and disrupt important ecosystem functions. It is considered one of the most damaging invasive plant species in the United States. Infestations spread rapidly and the seed can remain viable in the soil for up to five years.

Nearest locations
This very-highly invasive grass is present within the Finger Lakes PRISM, where it is assigned Tier 3. Reports nearest the SCA include:
 * Green Lakes State park, via iMapInvasives,
 * |ConfirmedPresenceTOC;0;0=1;0|aoiTOC;0;0=0;40|statesTOC;0;0=0;0|countiesTOC;0;0=0;0|waterbodiesTOC;0;0=0;40|conservationLandsTOC;0;0=0;40|usgsTopoTOC;0;0=0;0|ismaTOC;0;0=0;0|hydrobasinTOC;0;0=0;0|countryTOC;0;0=0;0|municipalBoundariesTOC;0;0=0;0|tncIPMMS;0;0=0;40|mobiToc;0;0=0;0&fobs=&fhbtt=&fspec=2071&fstyp=n&fkdom=&fgens=&fbdte=&fadte=&fproj=&forg=&fjur=&felim= Montezuma Marsh, iMap
 * Near Wells College Golf Course, iMap

Identification
Stiltgrass is said to get its name from the aerial rootlets near the base of the weak stems.

Its leaves are relatively short, measuring from 2-4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.

Plants with similarities to Japanese stiltgrass

 * White cut grass (Leersia virginica)


 * Nimblewill muhly (Muhlenbergia schreberi)


 * Wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus hirtellus) is native to the southeastern US and is unlikely to be present as far north as the SCA, but it is included here because it is prohibited in New York State and apparent similarities to Japanese stiltgrass.


 * Deer-tongue rosette grass (Dichanthelium clandestinum)

Invasiveness ranking for Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass )
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is ranked as very highly invasive, with a ranking of 85/100 (85%).

Prohibited by New York State law.

1. Ecological impact (33/40)
1.1. Impact on Natural Ecosystem Processes and System-Wide Parameters

&emsp;&emsp;Major, possibly irreversible, alteration or disruption of ecosystem processes (10/10)


 * Pronounced differences in nitrogen cycling and soil pH beneath exotic understory plants compared to adjacent native understory plants.
 * Exotic species induce changes in the composition and/or activity of soil microbiota.

1.2. Impact on Natural Community Structure

1.3. Impact on Natural Community Composition

1.4. Impact on other species or species groups

2. Biological characteristics and dispersal ability (/)
2.1. Mode and rate of reproduction

2.2 Innate potential for long-distance dispersal

2.3. Potential to be spread by human activities

2.4. Characteristics that increase competitive advantage

2.5. Growth vigor

2.6. Germination/Regeneration

2.7. Other species in the genus invasive in New York or elsewhere

3. Ecological amplitude and distribution (/)
3.1. Density of stands in natural areas in the northeastern USA and eastern Canada

3.2. Number of habitats the species may invade

3.3. Role of disturbance in establishment

3.4. Climate in native range

3.5. Current introduced distribution in the northeastern USA and eastern Canada

3.6. Current introduced distribution of the species in natural areas in the 8 NY PRISMs

4. Difficulty of control (/)
4.1. Seed banks

4.2. Vegetative regeneration

4.3. Level of effort required