Many of you many have noticed the white fluffy seed heads blooming in pastures or on the side of the roads. What you are seeing is Cogongrass.
Cogongrass has been in Mississippi for the past 100 years and is on the most invasive weeds list. It can produce as many as 200 flower heads per square meter in a dense infestation. Cogongrass spreads both by seed and roots, making it a tough plant to ba
ttle.
It is the most noticeable when it is in full bloom therefore it is important to prevent seed production and dispersal. To do this it should be treated after green up and before flowering is complete. If it goes untreated it will continue to spread very rapidly and will take over yards and pastures.
The flower heads are cylindrical in shape that can be from two to eight inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch wide. The flower head is made up of several hundred tiny florets, each with the potential to produce a seed.
From start to finish, the period of flowering to seed production generally last from 4-6 weeks. It can begin to bloom as early as February or March. It may also bloom after mowing, fire, herbicide applications or other disturbances.
The seeds may be dispersed by many different methods such as wind, animals, humans, storms and equipment. Generally wind dispersed seeds will travel less than 100 feet, however they may be dispersed farther by a storm.
Cogongrass harms the land by invading a wide variety of habitats. It spreads rapidly, forming thick mats that exclude all other vegetation and reduce wildlife habitat. These infestations are extremely flammable and extremely difficult to control once established.
It is very important for landowners to act when they find the spreading, invasive weed on their land. The use of herbicides in the spring is your best method for control. The two herbicides most commonly used are glyphosate and imazapyr.
Always read and follow the instructions on the labels for the appropriate application rates.
If you would like more information on control methods please contact the MSU Extension office at 601-635-7011.
