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The Giant Cutgrass,Zizaniopsis miliacea, is a type of perennial, aquatic grass with stems of up to 4 meters tall. The name Giant Cutgrass comes from its height and the sharp edges of the leaves. This monoecious grass can form extensive uniform stands that are nearly impenetrable, often excluding other species. Spreading quickly through rhizomatic activity, Giant Cutgrass can be found in freshwater marshes, sloughs, and at the margins of rivers throughout most of Southeastern United States: Maryland and Kentucky south to Florida, and west to Texas and Oklahoma.

Distribution

Zizaniopsis miliacea’s native range is from Maryland and Kentucky south to Florida, and west to Texas and Oklahoma (3 book). According to its wetland indicator status (OBL, or Obligate wetland), Giant Cutgrass almost always occurs in wetlands (estimated probability>99%) under natural environmental conditions. Zizaniopsis miliacea is adapted to soils that range from coarse to fine, which helps the grass establish in most wetland environments. Furthermore, here have been studies concerning this species’ utility in shoreline erosion control. If Giant Cutgrass is adopted as a preferred means of mitigating shoreline erosion, its distribution would rapidly expand.

Habitat and Ecology

“Zizaniopsis miliacea” is a tolerant, rapidly growing, perennial grass that grows in the spring and summer. During the growing season, this grass exists in dense stands of coarse foliage. It is adapted to course, fine, and medium textured soils with a high moisture content. The precipitation zone of Giant Cutgrass ranges from around 850 to 1,800 mm/year, and the grass has little to no drought or shade tolerance. Furthermore, its large size and ability to grow in extensive, uniform stands usually prevents interactions with other plants species. However, its thick foliage provides ideal nesting sites for aquatic bird species.

Morphology

Individuals of this species can grow up to 3 meters and often form clumps with other individuals. Giant Cutgrass has smooth stems, flat linear leaves (about 48 inches long and 1.5 inches wide) with parallel veins and a prominent midrib with a smooth surface. However, the margins are extremely rough. It has an open terminal inflorescence with nodding branches that bear female spikelets at ends and male spikelets near the base of these branches (book3). The flower and seeds have a yellowish appearance.

Propagation

Zizaniopsis miliacea propagates itself by the use of rhizomes, which are usually underground stems-like structures that produce shoots above and roots below. This results in its high productivity rate and dense uniform stands.