Japanese Blood Grass

Japanese Blood Grass, Cogongrass (all-green-leaved form)

Imperata cylindrica

Poaceae (Grass Family)

▲ colony of Japanese Blood Grass used as groundcover

▲ ▼ close-ups showing red-tipped leaves

Imperata cylindrica: Japanese Blood Grass

Location near campus: toward eastern side of Xeriscape Garden at the corner of National Ave. and Linwood in Springfield.

cool-season creeping perennial grass with slender, upright leaf blades with red tips
forms dense colonies that spread slowly to quickly
remove any all-green-leaved sprouts in colonies as they are quite invasive
green-leaved form is called cogongrass, a very serious noxious weed in southeastern U.S.
flowers are not too showy--small panicles within the 1-2 foot tall foliage
prefers moist, fertile soils; full-sun to part shade
does not do well in dry soils, particularly in full sun