Cogongrass
Imperata cylindrica
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Pl. 51E5 — Imperata cylindrica
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IOverview
Overview
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a perennial graminoid known for its invasive nature and widespread distribution across many African, Asian, and European countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, and beyond. Native to parts of Africa and the Middle East, it has been introduced to numerous other regions where it thrives in dry to moist conditions, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7. This grass can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and is notable for its edible parts including flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots, making it valuable as a food source in some areas. Its adaptability and robust growth make cogongrass both an ornamental and a problematic weed in many habitats.
Quick answers
What is Cogongrass?
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a perennial graminoid known for its invasive nature and widespread distribution across many African, Asian, and European countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, and beyond.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cogongrass thrives in light to medium soils and prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7. It is drought-tolerant but also grows well in moist conditions and can handle both sandy and clay soils. This perennial plant is hardy in zones 6-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining while maintaining consistent moisture. Cogongrass requires full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. It can be propagated through division or seed sowing. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots for use in culinary applications.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Cogongrass for the first time
7steps
Cogongrass is a hardy perennial that can be challenging for beginners due to its invasive nature, but with proper care, it can thrive in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Cogongrass plant or seeds, a container or garden bed, and basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm but not too hot, typically from March to May.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Amend heavy or clay soils with sand for better drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from another source, or sow seeds directly into the prepared soil about 1 cm deep.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place a layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. Prune dead leaves as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter to early spring before new growth begins to maintain its shape and health.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: Salt
Other uses:textilesErosion controlWeaving materialGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe5 regions
native (5)BulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceSpain
Asia1 region
native (1)Iran
Africa17 regions
native (17)AlgeriaAngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadComorosEgyptEquatorial GuineaEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-Bissau
Broader regions
native:Gulf of Guinea Is., Free State, East Aegean Is., Central African Repu, Congo
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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