Imperata cylindrical commonly known as cogongrass or kunai grass is a species of perennial rhizomatous grass native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Africa, and southern Europe. It has also been introduced to Latin America, the Caribbean, and the southeastern United States. It is a highly flammable pyrophyte and can spread rapidly by colonizing disturbed areas and encouraging more frequent wildfires.
It grows from 0.6 to 3 m (2 to 10 feet) tall. The leaves are about 2 cm wide near the base of the plant and narrow to a sharp point at the top; the margins are finely toothed and are embedded with sharp silica crystals. The main vein is a lighter colour than the rest of the leaf and tends to be nearer to one side of the leaf. The upper surface is hairy near the base of the plant while the underside is usually hairless.
Cogongrass has an extensive rhizome network, the biomass of which accounts for 60% of the total biomass of the plant. They can penetrate up to 1.2 m (3.9 ft) deep, but 0.4 m (1.3 ft) is typical in sandy soil.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 5,6,7,8,9 |
| Heat Zones | 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
| Plant Family | Poaceae or Gramineae |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer, Fall, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer |
| Height | 2' - 3' |
| Spread | 2' - 3' |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Characteristics | Showy, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
| Planting Place | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging |