Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Woolly Cupgrass

Eriochloa villosa

Woolly Cupgrass is a tall annual that grow 1-2 m tall. It is native to temprate and subtropical Asia and is often a weed in rice fields. It was introduced to North America in 1940 and occurs in the Northern U.S and there are occurrences of it in Quebec. It is a weed of economic concern because it invades corn and soy crops reducing their yield. There is no evidence of it impacting the environment.

Leaves are dark green, hairy and one edge is crinkled. Flowers form in spikelets and are very woolly. Woolly Cupgrass reproduces solely by seed and one plant can produce 165,000 seeds.

This plant can become a contaminant in farm machinery which is considered the most common source of new infestations.

Information provided byÂ Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Resources

2011 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

2010 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Woolly Cupgrass

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