In a few days, the dog days of summer begin in earnest. Historically this is the season when Sirius, the dog star, is visible in the northern hemisphere.
This celestial event is reputed to indicate the onset of the year’s hottest weather. Additionally, ancient lore attributed mad dogs, bad luck and many other negative characteristics to this late summer period.
Rather than spending leisure hours doing yard work in the oppressive heat and humidity of the dog days, an air-conditioned venue such as a darkened theater is a much-preferred option. There the latest cinema epic with superheroes battling alien invaders can be enjoyed in a comfortable temperature range.
Unfortunately, the untended lawns and landscapes of panhandle Florida are subject to their own collection of very real exotic invasive species, with one that is new to the scene. All have the villainous ability to inflict unending irritation and expense on homeowners, and perpetually resist control.
Vaseygrass seed heads swiftly produce large quantities of seeds which sprout quickly and are easily distributed.
Almost everyone is familiar with purple nut sedge, chamberbitter and cogongrass. They are found in lawns, roadsides and natural areas.
These leafy scourges from distant lands have been the botanical equivalent of the zombie apocalypse. Dig them up, mow them down or employ chemical warfare, it does not matter. They quickly return with the same malignant intent of territorial conquest.
The latest noxious weed is a native to South America. Vaseygrass, scientific name Paspalum urvillei, is a species introduced to North America and other parts of the globe.
It is worth noting this problem species is not the first member of the Paspalum genus which is commonly found in north Florida. Bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum, is a frequently used pasture grass for grazing livestock and hay production.
Bahiagrass is also used as turf for road shoulders and lawns. It is inexpensive to establish and maintain, nutritional for cattle, and not invasive.
Bahiagrass’ cousin Vaseygrass has none of its positive attributes. Vaseygrass is a bunch-type grass without a significant rhizome or expansive root system, but will still grow aggressively.
Vaseygrass is most commonly found in wet pastures, in full-sun open areas remaining moist, or along drainage ditches. This perennial may reach six feet in height and will shade out most competitors.
The simplest way to identify this invader is by its distinctive seed heads. It has alternating spikelets which form silky hairs around the seeds.
Similar to Bahiagrass seed-heads which commonly have two spikelets, Vaseygrass has five or more spikelets. The seeds are produced along the entire length of the seed head branches which can exceed five inches in length.
The seeds are small, are a flattened oval in shape and are light green. Over the course of a growing season each plant can produce hundreds, if not thousands, of seeds which are distributed by birds and water.
Vaseygrass’s stems have fine hairs where the leaf meets the stem or on the stem toward the base of the plant. Their leaves are long and narrow with an indented midrib and irregular leaf margins.
This weed should be removed at the first sign of its appearance. If left unchallenged, it will quickly cover an area and produce copious quantities of seeds.
While there are no Hollywood superheroes to challenge this intruder, it should be confronted. Regrettably, this will mean coming out of the air conditioning and into the heat and humidity.
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