Microstegium vimineum ( Japanese Stiltgrass )

Characteristics

Cultivar:	n/a
Family:	Poaceae
Size:	Height: 2.5 ft. to 3 ft. Width: 2 ft. to 4 ft.
Plant Category:	annuals and biennials,
Plant Characteristics:	low maintenance, spreading,
Foliage Characteristics:
Foliage Color:	green,
Flower Characteristics:
Flower Color:	creams, greens,
Tolerances:

Requirements

Bloomtime Range:	Late Spring to Mid Summer
USDA Hardiness Zone:	4 to 7
AHS Heat Zone:	Not defined for this plant
Light Range:	Shade to Dappled
pH Range:	5.5 to 8
Soil Range:	Mostly Sand to Mostly Clay
Water Range:	Normal to Boggy

Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

Conditions : Deep Shade

Deep Shade refers to the absence of sunlight, even during daylight periods.

Conditions : Partial Shade

Partial Shade is defined as filtered light found beneath trees with high limbs. Partial shade usually offers some protection from direct afternoon sun.

Conditions : Full to Partial Shade

Full shade means there is little or no light in the growing zone. Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or shadows cast by a house or building. Plants that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn. Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems; not only is there no light, but competition for water, nutrients and root space.

Partial shade means that an area receives filtered light, often through tall branches of an open growing tree. Root competition is usually less. Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe-like structure. Shadier sides of a building are normally the northern or northeastern sides. These sides also tend to be a little cooler. It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to require some shade in warmer climates due to stress placed on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive heat.

Watering

Conditions : Moist

Moist is defined as soil that receives regular watering to a depth of 18 inch deep, does not dry out, but does not have a drainage problem either.

Planting

Problems

Weeds : Preventing Weeds and Grass

Weeds rob your plants of water, nutrients and light. They can harbor pests and diseases. Before planting, remove weeds either by hand or by spraying an herbicide according to label directions. Another alternative is to lay plastic over the area for a couple of months to kill grass and weeds.

You may apply a pre-emergent herbicide prior to planting, but be sure that it is labeled for the plants you are wishing to grow. Existing beds may be spot sprayed with a nonselective herbicide, but be careful to shield those plants you do not want to kill. Non-selective means that it will kill everything it comes in contact with.

Mulch plants with a 3 inch layer of pinestraw, pulverized bark, or compost. Mulch conserves moisture, keeps weeds down, and makes it easier to pull when necessary.

Porous landscape or open weave fabric works too, allowing air and water to be exchanged.

Miscellaneous

Glossary : Annual

An annual is any plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.

Glossary : Grass

Grass: A member of the Poaceae family, usually having round, hollow or solid stems with regularly spaced nodes. Seed are produced on spikes in the form of a raceme, panicle, or spike.

Plant Images