ExplorePlants

Japanese stiltgrass

Microstegium vimineum

Japanese stiltgrass is a soft, green plant that grows tall and can spread quickly. It likes to grow in shady places and can be found in many parks and gardens.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Japanese stiltgrass has slender, pale green leaves with a distinctive silvery-white stripe down the middle. Its stems are often reddish-purple near the base, forming dense, sprawling mats that can carpet the ground.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusMicrostegium
Japanese stiltgrass
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgegrasslike trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badge
Japanese stiltgrass

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each plant can produce hundreds of sticky seeds that hitchhike on shoes and fur!

It got its name because its stem props itself up like tiny stilts!

Japanese stiltgrass can completely cover a forest floor, blocking out sunlight!

This grass loves shady spots and can grow where other plants struggle!

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Colonizer

Japanese stiltgrass can grow incredibly fast and spread quickly using roots and seeds, helping it take over new areas.

Ability

Shade Master

It has special adaptations to thrive in low light, letting it grow densely where many other plants can't survive.

Ability

Seed Power

Its tiny, sticky seeds can cling to animals and shoes, allowing it to travel far and wide to new habitats.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-100 cm
Flower Size
0.1-0.3 cm
Bloom Season
Late summer to fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses young shoots, though it's not a preferred food source.

eaten by

Meadow vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus

Eats seeds and blades, especially during colder months.

symbiotic with

European fire ant

Myrmica rubra

Ants disperse its sticky seeds, helping the plant spread rapidly.

symbiotic with

Allegheny mound ant

Aphaenogaster picea

This native ant also helps disperse its seeds via elaiosomes.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's safe to touch, but don't eat any plants unless an adult says it's okay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Japanese stiltgrass?

30-90 cm

How wide does Japanese stiltgrass spread?

30-100 cm

How big are the flowers on Japanese stiltgrass?

0.1-0.3 cm

When does Japanese stiltgrass bloom?

Late summer to fall

Is Japanese stiltgrass edible?

No

Is Japanese stiltgrass toxic?

None

What is Japanese stiltgrass's lifecycle?

Annual

How is Japanese stiltgrass pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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