Incredibly invasive weed infecting parts of Mississippi Invasive weed infecting Mississippi (Source: Mississippi Forestry Comission) By WLBT Digital | December 14, 2020 at 5:07 PM CST - Updated December 15 at 9:28 AM
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - South Mississippi is under attack from one of the top 10 most invasive weeds in the world. It can be spread vegetatively or by the wind.
According to the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Imperata cylindrica, more commonly known as cogongrass or Japanese blood grass, chokes out native species for control of soil nutrients. Its roots excrete chemicals that deter growth of competing vegetation.
“Cogongrass negatively affects pine productivity and survival, wildlife habitat, recreation, native plants, fire behavior and site management costs,” said Russell Bozeman, Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) state forester. “Its ability to rapidly spread and displace desirable vegetation makes it particularly dangerous to native ecosystem