Invasive Plant Alert: Wavyleaf Grass
Published on August 21st, 2019 by Enrichmond Foundation
Wavyleaf grass, a highly invasive plant species, has been found in a new location in Virginia. Recently a small patch was discovered in the Historic Evergreen Cemetery in the City of Richmond.
TreeLab staff identified the patch and alerted the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, who came to the site and confirmed the ID. We have marked off the patch and treated it. We will continue to monitor and control the patch through the remainder of the year and into next year. We are also surveying other parts of both East End and Evergreen Cemeteries looking for signs of spread.
We ask visitors and volunteers to please be careful to walk around areas that appear marked off and to keep pets out of those areas.
From DCR:
Wavyleaf grass forms dense carpets in deep forest shade and outcompetes native plant species. It spreads readily through numerous sticky seeds that cling to animal fur and clothing.
You can help reduce the spread of invasives by regularly cleaning your boots and gear and by always keeping yourself and your pets on the trail. If you volunteer in wooded areas, always clean your boots, clothing, tools and gear at the end of the day.
Please download and use the below resources from DCR to help you identify and control wavyleaf grass:
If you believe you have identified a patch of wavyleaf grass, please report your findings!
