Distribution and impact of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) in northern Mississippi

Authors

• Carl R. Pulver V, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
• Ryan E. Burke, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
• Elizabeth Esser, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
• Evan Moore, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
• Ashley Schulz, Mississippi State UniversityFollow

Faculty Advisor

Ashley N. Schulz

Faculty Advisor Email

as5112@msstate.edu

Abstract

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a non-native, rhizomatous grass that has invaded the southeastern United States. It forms dense mats that outcompete native plants, alters decomposition and microbial assemblages, and has highly flammable litter that alters fire behavior, affecting native plant communities. Though surveys for cogongrass have been conducted in southern Mississippi, the degree of cogongrass infestations in northern Mississippi has remained unclear and concerning. This study aimed to update cogongrass location data for the state and identify problem areas to guide state invasive plant management efforts. To provide a starting point, previously documented cogongrass locations were synthesized from natural history collections. From January to December 2025, roadside and ground surveys of cogongrass were conducted and resulted in over 75 patches identified in 31 counties in northern Mississippi. All cogongrass patches were less than 0.04 hectares in size and near heavily disturbed areas. Two cogongrass patches were found in and along streams, including one along Sand Creek on Mississippi State University North Farm. Additional surveys were conducted along 4.7 km of Sand Creek and located another 38 disjunct patches, ranging from a few individuals to 0.02 hectares in size. This study demonstrates that cogongrass has established and spread in northern Mississippi, but most patches are still small and treatable. Future research should continue to monitor the spread of cogongrass in northern Mississippi, as well as mechanisms of cogongrass spread through riparian areas.

Recommended Citation

Pulver, Carl R. V; Burke, Ryan E.; Esser, Elizabeth; Moore, Evan; and Schulz, Ashley (2026) "Distribution and impact of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) in northern Mississippi," Endeavors: Mississippi State Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55533/3071-012X.1019
Available at: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/endeavors/vol2/iss1/4