Zizaniopsis miliacea (Michx.) Doell and Aschers, giant cutgrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season , rhizomatous perennial. 
Height: 3 to 9 feet. 
Leaf blade: Long; flat; rough on edges, almost sawlike. 
Leaf sheath: Rounded; open; shorter than internodes. 
Seedhead: Narrow, nodding panicles; spikelets unisexual, 
* 1-flowered, male and female on same branch of panicle. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Although a warm-season grass, giant cutgrass grows some in 
' late fall along the gulf coast. Produces seed mostly in spring and 
early summer. Grows in dense bunches from large, creeping rhi- 
zomes. Mature plants turn yellowish after first frost. Usually has 
green basal leaves all year. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, and most of Southern States. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows primarily on firm mineral clays or silty soils. Also 
grows in fresh-water marshes and swamps, on creek and river 
banks, and in drainage ditches and canals. Tolerates small 
amount of salt in free soil water. Does best if water level fluc- 
tuates from soil surface to 12 inches above. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Giant cutgrass is readily grazed by cattle from late winter 
through summer. If grazed in dormant season, a mineral supple- 
ment should be provided. This grass is also used for erosion con- 
trol around lakes and on streambanks. Geese and ducks forage on 
its green basal leaves. 
For maximum production, no more than 50 percent of current 
growth by weight should be removed at any season. Controlled 
burning is recommended if enough dead leaves and stems accumu- 
late on the ground to smother new growth. Burn only when there 
is at least 1 inch of water above soil surface. Defer grazing after 
burning to permit 8 inches of regrowth. Cattle walkways are es- 
sential to distribute grazing and provide access to forage on fresh 
marshes where this grass is important. 
209 
