Japanese chaff flower USDA PLANTS Symbol: ACJA
U.S. Nativity: Exotic
Habit: Forbs/Herbs
Achyranthes japonica (Miq.) Nakai
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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Caryophyllales: Amaranthaceae
Appearance
Achyranthes japonica is a perennial herb that can grow up to about 6.5 ft. (2 m) tall. Stems are glabrous or slightly pubescent.
Foliage
Ovate-elliptic leaves are opposite and simple. Margins are entire and repand (slightly wavy). The base of the leaf is tapering and the apex is acute to acuminate.
Flowers
The small flowers have no petals and are clustered tightly on the inflorescence which occur at the ends of the stems and upper branches. They flower in summer.
Fruit
The fruits are elliptic utricles that are held tightly along the stem. Fruits contain a single seed and each plant produces many seeds. Each fruit has a pair of stiff bracts that can attach to fur or clothing, allowing the seed to be easily spread.
Ecological Threat
Although Achyranthes japonica prefers partial sun and moist soils it can survive in shade and dry conditions. It readily invades bottomland forests, wooded riverbanks, roadsides, ditches and field edges. Achyranthes japonica can form dense monocultures shading and outcompeting native plant species.
Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Selected Images from Invasive.orgView All Images at Invasive.org


Flower(s);
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Plant(s);
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage;
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage;
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Foliage; Stand of Japanese chaff flower showing heavy deer browse
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage;
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
EDDMapS Distribution:
This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org 		 


State List
This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law.

Invasive Listing Sources:
Alabama Invasive Plant Council
Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council
Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council
Ohio Invasive Species Council