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Skaneateles Conservation Area/Invasive species/Microstegium vimineum

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Japanese stiltgrass
Microstegium vimineum

Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass )

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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.[1]

Nearest locations

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This very-highly invasive grass is present within the Finger Lakes PRISM, where it is assigned Tier 3. Reports nearest the SCA include:

Identification

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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

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  • 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.
  1. ↑ C.W. Evans, N.J. Loewenstein, C.T. Bargeron, C.E. Barlow and D.J. Moorhead (2012). Field Guide To The Identification Of Japanese Stiltgrass: With comparisons to other look-a-like species. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, ANR-1457. 12 p.

Invasiveness ranking for Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass )

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Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is ranked as very highly invasive, with a ranking of 85/100 (85%).[1]

Prohibited by New York State law.[2]

1. Ecological impact (33/40)

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1.1. Impact on Natural Ecosystem Processes and System-Wide Parameters

  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.[3]
  • Exotic species induce changes in the composition and/or activity of soil microbiota.[4]

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 (/)

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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 (/)

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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 (/)

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4.1. Seed banks ()

4.2. Vegetative regeneration ()

4.3. Level of effort required ()

References for invasiveness ranking

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  1. ↑ M.J. Jordan, G. Moore & T.W. Weldy (2008). Invasiveness ranking system for non-native plants of New York. Unpublished. The Nature Conservancy, Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY; The Nature Conservancy, Albany, NY. Microstegium vimineum assessed by Gerry Moore, 20 February 2008; 24 March 2008.
  2. ↑ New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, Title 6 Section 575.3 - Prohibited invasive species
  3. ↑ Joan G. Ehrenfeld, Peter Kourtev & Weize Huang (2001). "Changes in Soil Functions Following Invasions of Exotic Understory Plants in Deciduous Forests." Ecological Applications 11(5): 1287-1300.
  4. ↑ [Peter S. Kourtev, Joan G. Ehrenfeld and Max Häggblom (2002). "Exotic Plant Species Alter the Microbial Community Structure and Function in the Soil." Ecology 83(11): 3152-3166.]

Observations of ssss (ccc) at the SCA

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The following photographs and corresponding iNaturalist observations of tttt were made at or very near the Skaneateles Conservation Area. Click on images to enlarge and read details on Wikimedia Commons or on the "iNat obs" links to view the corresponding observations at iNaturalist.

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