Stiltgrass, a highly invasive annual grass that spreads quickly in disturbed areas, recently was detected in Augusta Creek, Barry and Petersburg state game areas. Invasive stiltgrass is highly adaptable, thriving in various soil, moisture and light conditions. It takes hold in areas of disturbed soil along forest edges, roadways, recreational trails, floodplains and stream corridors.

Stiltgrass looks like some native grasses, so it may not appear out of the ordinary to the general observer. Here is what to look for:

• A thin, bamboo-like grass with jointed stems and well-spaced leaves.
• Smooth green leaves 2 to 3 inches long and one-half inch wide, tapering to points at both ends, often with an off-center silver stripe or mid-rib.
• 1- to 3-foot-high beds of grass, with some stems running across the ground and others shooting upright.
• Roots, both at the base and stem joints, that are weakly attached to the soil and easy to pull up.
• One to three slender, green flower spikes at the stem tips, appearing in August or September.

Landowners, land managers and anyone spending time outdoors should look out for stiltgrass and report the location and photos of any suspected plants to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.