Cogongrass

(Imperata cylindrica)

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Imperata cylindrica, commonly known as Cogongrass, is an evergreen perennial grass native to open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands in Asia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Africa, and Southern Europe. It can grow from 0.6 to 3 m (2 to 10 feet) tall, forming dense stands with sharp-edged leaves and fluffy, white, cylindrical flower spikes that appear from late spring to early fall. Cogongrass is a fire-adapted species, with a high silica content that makes it highly flammable and capable of spreading rapidly by colonizing disturbed areas, thus altering fire regimes and encouraging more frequent wildfires.

Cogongrass is valued for its use in soil stabilization, particularly in beach areas and other erosion-prone landscapes. Its extensive rhizome system helps to hold soil in place, making it a practical choice for erosion control. However, its aggressive growth habit and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, from wet to dry lands and in soils with varying pH levels, make it a challenging species to manage. It is often used in cultivation for ground cover, especially in areas where other plants struggle to establish. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some shade. In terms of water requirements, it is adaptable but generally does best with low to medium amounts of water and in soils with slow to fast drainage. Gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness outside its native range, as it can outcompete native vegetation and disrupt local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Satintail , Speargrass , Sword Grass , Thatch Grass , Lalang Grass , Cogon , Cotton Wool Grass , Kunai Grass , Kura-Kura , Alang-Alang

Scientific Names: Imperata cylindrica , Saccharum cylindricum , Imperata cylindrica var. koenigii , Imperata cylindrica var. major , Imperata arundinacea , Imperata cylindrica f. pallida , Imperata cylindrica var. africana , Imperata koenigii , Imperata thunbergii , Imperata cylindrica var. thunbergii

GBIF Accepted Name: Imperata cylindrica (L.) P.Beauv.