Virginia’s Least Wanted: Wavyleaf Grass

September 23, 2024 4:20 pm

Virginia's Least Wanted: Wavyleaf Grass

This grass may look harmless, but it wants to use you and your pets for a free ride. The seeds of wavyleaf grass (Oplismenus undulatifolius) stick to everything, easily spreading this invasive across Virginia’s forests, replacing our native plants and wildflowers. Wavyleaf grass thrives in shaded forest understories, especially along forest trails looking for a free ride.

Wavyleaf grass produces seeds August – November. Here’s what you can do to prevent its spread:
🕵️ Learn to ID wavyleaf so you can avoid walking through it and collecting seeds
🥾 After hiking, use a lint roller or brush to remove seeds before you get in your vehicle
🐕‍🦺 Do the same for any pet companions
📱Report wavyleaf you find on public lands so land managers can act quickly

Learn more about wavyleaf grass in our “most wanted” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-dAbT3mfv4
And check out this storymap from Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation: https://ow.ly/Lg8450TqkUB

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