Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare), originally from Africa, has become an invasive species in the Southwestern United States. Its rapid spread poses a significant threat to ecosystems, as it outcompetes native vegetation, alters natural fire regimes, and negatively impacts wildlife habitat. Effective management of buffelgrass involves a multifaceted approach, including prevention through public education and responsible recreation, early detection, manual removal, targeted herbicide application, and restoration efforts focused on reintroducing native vegetation and employing adaptive management strategies. Visit the USDA Weed Field Guide for the Southwest Website for comprehensive information on understanding, preventing, and managing buffelgrass to protect the health of Southwestern forests and grasslands.
Credit: USDA Weed Field Guides for the Southwest Region
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