?EUR??,,????'??It has really no wildlife value, no forage value for livestock, and then it has that fire hazard, too, in addition to choking out other species of plants,?EUR??,,????'?? said Jennie Jones of Mississippi State University. ?EUR??,,????'??This could have a huge impact on timberlands, wildlife and much more if not stopped.?EUR??,,????'??

Jones described the plant burns at over 150 degrees and one of the main contributors to out of hand wildfires in Florida.

Jones added that the plant spreads so quickly because of its thick roots and feather-like seeds that can scatter in the wind. According to Jones, the plant?EUR??,,????'???s ability to spread quickly is part of the reason cogon grass is ranked the world?EUR??,,????'???s 7th worst invasive plant species. Cogon grass develops 3,000 fluffy seeds per plant that, much like dandelion seeds, can be carried up to 15 miles away from the plant when airborne. The plant blooms in April. Jones outlined that the supervisors should be watchful for the grass and not mow over it in April and aid the spread of the seeds.

?EUR??,,????'??We want to make sure we get rid of it before it does spread into other areas,?EUR??,,????'?? said Jones.

Jones added that no amount of herbicide will completely rid the area of the sharp blades. But she does believe the problem can be controlled if addressed.

Jones asked the supervisors to contact her if they see cogon grass so that she may come out and identify it and the supervisors may plan a way to herbicide the patches.

Cogon grass first arrived in the United States in 1911 near Mobile, Ala., as a packing material in shipments from the Far East, according to Jones. It has since spread to Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.

Persons who encounter cogon grass, should contact the State Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Control Division at (662) 325-7773.