Who we are. What we do.

The Plant Protection Division of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, helps prevent the introduction of new plant pests into Alabama as well as prevent the spread of existing plant pests to non-infested areas.

Plant pest surveys, inspections, quarantines, control and eradication programs are among the tools used to safeguard the state's agricultural and natural resources.

The Plant Protection Division helps horticultural businesses -- such as nurseries, greenhouse growers, transplant growers and turf grass producers -- as well as farmers, agricultural industries and Alabama consumers in shipping plant material intrastate, interstate and internationally.

Inspections and certification services help ensure that plants are pest-free, which is essential for movement of plant material to other states and foreign countries.

 What is Cogongrass?

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), is an invasive weed that can choke out even the most hardy native plants. Native to southeast Asia, cogongrass is a state and federally regulated noxious invasive weed, and is considered one of the worst weeds in the world.

Cogongrass can easily displace native plants that are used by birds, animals and insects for forage and shelter. The weed also poses a threat as a fire hazard. Cogongrass burns very hot and will harm beneficial plants, even those commonly managed with fire.

When cogongrass is detected in Alabama, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) assists property owners in determining appropriate eradication methods. AFC montors known cogongrass sites to prevent further spread.

How is it identified?

You can distinguish cogongrass from other weeds in one of three ways: by its flowers, its leaves, or its rhizomes (the underground stems from which its roots emerge).

Cogongrass usually flowers in March & April in southern counties but not until May or even early June further north. Mowing and other disturbances may prompt flowering at other times. The flowers are fluffy and bright white, but usually are a light maroon color as they first begin to open.

Cogongrass leaves are yellowish green, measuring about one-half to three-quarters of an inch wide and may be upright or drooping. Leaf edges are finely serrated.The midrib may be white and offset. The leaves turn reddish-tan after frost and persist through the winter. Leaves emerge from near ground level and there is not a distinctive stem. Cogongrass can range from 1 to 5 feet in height, although 2-3 feet is most typical.

Cogongrass forms dense mats of underground rhizomes. The cream-colored rhizomes are segmented and covered with papery scales and have very sharp tips. While the sharp rhizome is a useful diagnostic characteristic, please DO NOT dig up any suspect grass. One segment of a rhizome can start a new plant.

Cultivars: Japanese Bloodgrass and Red Baron

Several red cultivars of cogongrass may be found for sale in garden centers and on the Internet. These cultivars are illegal in Alabama, as in most states. THey have been known to revert to the invasive green wild type and can cross pollinate with wild-type cogongrass and increase seed production.