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western panicgrass

Scientific Name: Dichanthelium acuminatum var. fasciculatum

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Dichanthelium acuminatum var. fasciculatum: Western Panicgrass

Dichanthelium acuminatum var. fasciculatum, commonly known as Western Panicgrass, is a perennial grass with several other common names including Western Panicum, Rosette grass, Hairy Panicgrass, Tapered Rosette Grass, Woolly Rosette Grass, and Western Witchgrass.

Considerations for Pets

  • This grass is often hairy, which may cause skin irritation in some animals.

Considerations for Children

  • The hairy texture of this grass may cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould &amp C.A. Clark var. fasciculatum (Torr.) Freckmann
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Panicum acuminatum
    • Panicum acuminatum var. fasciculatum
    • Hairy rosette-panicgrass (Dichanthelium acuminatum)
    • Panicum albemarlense
    • Panicum atlanticum
    • Panicum dichotomiflorum
    • Panicum occidentale (syn. Dichanthelium acuminatum)
    • Panicum lanuginosum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Western Panicgrass is found across much of the east coast of the United States, from Minnesota to Alabama.
  • It also appears in the western United States and possibly as an introduced species in some western climates.
  • It can be found in Iowa, except in the western two tiers of counties where it is recorded only from Harrison and Sioux Counties.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Western Panicgrass is a perennial C3 grass that grows up to 70 cm tall.
  • It is a tufted plant, often hairy.
  • Leaves are alternate and hairy above.
  • The basal rosette is well-developed.
  • It features an open panicle inflorescence that is well-exserted.
  • Spikelets are 1-2mm and fall with glumes.

Ecological Role

  • In some areas, it can become weedy, creating a "sea of straw."

Quirky Facts

  • Residents in Wangaratta, Australia, faced a "big task" dealing with this grass becoming weedy.
  • Panic grass (Panicum sonorum) was domesticated in either Arizona or Sonora.

Growing Conditions

  • Very drought tolerant.
  • Slow to establish.
  • Suited to heavy black clay soils.
  • Tolerates periodic water logging.
  • Remains green and productive through winter.

Further Information

  • Garden Guides
  • Dave's Garden
  • Discover Life