What is Wrong with this Grass New York?

It feels like lately when you bring up nature or the environment the first thing someone mentions is something invasive. Bugs, plants, and animals it seems we have them all.

Something is considered an invasive species if it is not native to an area and is causing some harm. At the moment our big focus is on the Spotted Lantern Flies but there are others doing their share of damage as well.

How Did We End Up with So Many Invasive Things?

Non-native plants, bugs, and animals can get to a region in a variety of ways. Sometimes we unknowingly cart them around in our car or our clothing. Firewood is another culprit. Bugs love to hitch a ride with lumber and more. Sometimes we intentionally bring the species to our area for a useful cause and then it takes on a life of its own as is the case with Stiltgrass.

SEE Also: Owl Saved from Standing Water in Upstate New York.

What is Stiltgrass in New York

You may have started to notice the bright green poofy grass along the side of the backroads around the Hudson Valley. In a few weeks this pretty green ground cover with turn an even more vibrant red color for fall but sadly this is Stiltgrass and does not belong in our state.

You may not have even realized you were looking at an invasive species. Along the road where I see it, it looks beautiful. And don't get me started on how beautiful it turns in the fall. But this fast-spreading plant has taken over and ends up crowding out other native plants.

How Did Stiltgrass Get Here from Asia

Catskill Native Nursery shared a lot of informative information regarding Stilt grass on its Facebook page. According to Catskill Native Nursery, it arrived as packing material in the early 20th Century. Now it is here to stay.

It was sent to the US in the early 20th century in the form of packing material from Asia. The dried grass was used to pack imported dishes and household goods. It first showed up as a problem in Tennessee and has since spread across the US. (via Catskill Native Nursery Facebook)

You can attempt to pull it to reduce it around your property but it professional treatment may be required.

SEE Also: Invasive Plants You Can Eat

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