How to Identify Nuisance Grass
There are many nuisance grass species. While we may not want to see these grasses out in the field, it’s important to know how to tell them apart from more desirable species.
Grasses
Grasses are often overlooked plants that carpet our landscapes.
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Grasses easily blend into the background, making it easy for invasive grasses to take over an area. Most grasses can be categorized as either cool-season or warm-season grasses. The terms refer to when a grass has the majority of its growth. Other grasses are winter or summer annuals. By keeping in mind the periods of growth and dormancy of grasses, you can time management practices for when they can be most successful.
Invasive grasses of concern in Illinois:
Learn to Identify Invasive Grasses
Check out our Illinois grasses website.
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Restore Natural Areas and Plant Native Species.
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After removing invasive species, existing native plants may need help recovering. In some cases, replanting with native plants may be necessary for restoration. When planting native species, try to use local-ecotypes of seeds or plants from within 100 miles of your location. Local ecotypes of native plants are adapted to local climates and can be easier to grow. They also provide food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife.
Restoring diverse native plant communities will help prevent future invasions by strengthening the ecosystem, but continue to monitor for invasive species.
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Resources for planting native species
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In natural areas
Native plants for the home landscape
- Illinois Grass Species
- Invasive plants and beautiful native alternatives, Headwaters Invasive Plant Partnership
- For the Home Landscape
- Native Spring Ephemerals for the Home Garden
- Dry Woodland Garden
- Wet Woodland Garden
- Woodland Border Garden
- Woodland Garden
- Full Sun Rain Garden – A Native Planting Guide for Sunny Rain Garden Beds
We have included the most common and problematic plant species of Illinois environmental, agricultural, and horticultural concern on this website. It is not a comprehensive list.