Alternate name: Nepalese Browntop, Nepalgrass, Eulalia

Family: Poaceae, Grass view all from this family

Description Introduced. A sprawling annual grass that forms dense colonies of long, branched stems sprouting tapering alternate leaves and narrow flower spikes.
Flowers: 3/4-3" (2-7.5 cm) long, branched, terminal spikes, often hidden in leaf sheaths.
Leaves: light green, 2-4" (5-10 cm) long, lance-shaped, lightly hairy; silvery stripe down leaf center.
Height: stems to 6 1/2' (2 m) long, often reclining.

Habitat Disturbed habitats, roadsides, old fields, woods, wetlands, edge habitats.

Range Asia native; introduced in the United States and naturalized in the East, from Massachusetts to Texas.

Discussion Japanese Stiltgrass, also called Nepalese Browntop, was probably accidentally introduced into the United States when it was used as a packing material for porcelain products shipped from China. It is considered an invasive or noxious weed in many parts of the East. This grass can form dense colonies in forest understories to the exclusion of other, native plants. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for at least three years, which makes removal of an infestation a long-term process.