Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is not native to the United States, but it is now a common sight to see the early fall woodland floor carpeted with this very aggressive species. In this video we show just how destructive an infestation can be, and explain why it is important for all of us to recognize it. It can be controlled when it first invades an area, but if we wait too long it becomes a monumental task involving lots of time and money. Watch this video and learn how to identify Japanese Stiltgrass, then share this information with others so that we can all do our part in slowing its spread. You will see it as a young sprout, as a mature plant, in flower, and we even unveil their hidden cleistogamous flowers that never see the light of day.

Oak Haven is a 60acre private woodland in Southwestern Ohio near Cincinnati. Jim and Julie Varick both have degrees in Botany and over thirty years of experience in managing natural areas. They enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the natural world and would like to build relationships with likeminded people to share knowledge and resources.