Tri-City Ledger -

Cogongrass is one of the most significant non-native invasive plants in Alabama.

Not only does it invade a wide variety of habitats, but it also disrupts ecosystem function, particularly through fire regimes and fire intensity.

Thrives On Fire

“Cogongrass is a fire-adapted species that thrives on fire,” Nancy Loewenstein, an Alabama Extension forestry, wildlife and natural resources specialist said.

It burns easily and at extremely high temperatures in part because of its leaf characteristics but also because plants often have highly flammable thatch (dead leaf material) at the base of...