SafePlants

Tapered Rosette Grass (Dichanthelium acuminatum)

Dichanthelium acuminatum, commonly known as Tapered Rosette Grass, is a grass species with several common names reflecting its appearance and texture. Other names include Hairy Panic Grass, Woolly Panic Grass, Needleleaf Rosette Grass, Western Panicgrass, Huachuca panic, Woolly Rosette Grass, Eaton's Rosette Grass, Shasta Panicgrass, White-Haired Panic Grass, and Wright's Panicgrass.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has a dense, fibrous root system.
• The plant is commonly found in gardens.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has a dense, fibrous root system.
• The plant is commonly found in gardens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & C.A. Clark
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Genus: Dichanthelium
• Species: acuminatum
• Subspecies: The text mentions Dichanthelium acuminatum subsp. fasciculatum and Dichanthelium ovale subsp. praecocius, but these are different species/subspecies not directly related to Dichanthelium acuminatum.
• Variety: Dichanthelium acuminatum var. acuminatum, Dichanthelium acuminatum var. lindheimeri (Nash) Gould & C.A. Clark, and Dichanthelium acuminatum var. sericeum
• Synonyms: Panicum acuminatum is mentioned as a synonym.
• Note: The text uses the author citation "Gould & C.A. Clark" frequently, indicating these botanists played a significant role in the plant's taxonomic classification.

Distribution and Habitat

• Dichanthelium acuminatum is found in North America.
• It is known to grow in Cecil County, Maryland, and along the Stones River.
• It thrives in various soil moisture conditions: dry, moist, and wet.
• It requires sun, part-sun, or part-shade for optimal growth.
• It is often associated with wetland flora.

Morphological Characteristics

• Tapered Rosette Grass exhibits tapered rosette growth.
• It develops a round-shape shrub.
• The plant has a dense, fibrous root system.
• It forms a well-formed rosette of broad leaves at the plant's base.

Quirky Facts

• The common name was changed from "hairy panicgrass" to "tapered rosette grass" on February 9, 2016.

Life Cycle

• It is classified as both an annual and perennial grass.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Five new Pseudophialophora species have been found in the roots of tapered rosette grass.

Additional Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Provides images and information.
• Discover Life: Offers details on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• Dave's Garden: A community platform for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Garden Guides: Provides plant information, identification details, uses, and gardening advice.