Why is blood grass no longer available at garden centers in Iowa?

Question:

Why is blood grass no longer available at garden centers in Iowa?

Answer:

Imperata cylindica ‘Red Baron’ (commonly called blood grass) is a widely planted ornamental grass with attractive wine-red foliage.  Unfortunately, ‘Red Baron’ occasionally reverts back to its normal green-leaved form.  The green-leaved Imperata cylindica can become an invasive weed.  Because of this potential threat, Imperata cylindica ‘Red Baron’ is no longer available in Iowa and numerous other states.