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northern panicgrass

Scientific Name: Dichanthelium boreale

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IA (northern panic-grass), KY (northern witch gras

       

Northern Panicgrass: A Detailed Look

Let's explore the fascinating world of Northern Panicgrass, a plant with a unique presence in specific North American habitats.

Scientific and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Dichanthelium boreale (Nash) Freckmann
  • Common Names: Northern Panicgrass, Northern Rosette-panicgrass, Northern Witchgrass, Needleleaf Rosette Grass, Narrow-leaved Panicgrass

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Tracheophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Poales
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Genus: Dichanthelium
  • Species: boreale
  • Synonym: Panicum boreale (implied through alternative naming)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Northern Panicgrass is native to eastern North America but is considered rare in many states.
  • It is widespread in New England and can be found in moist forests and clearings.
  • In Iowa, it is occasionally found in prairies and wet meadows, particularly in sandy spots in the northeastern part of the state.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a herbaceous perennial with winter rosettes.
  • It is classified as a Graminoid.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Panic Grass (Panicum spp.), a related genus, attracts several species of skippers and butterflies, including Northern Pearly-eye, Northern Broken Dash, Tawny-edge Skipper, Delaware Skipper, and Least Skipper.
  • Woodnymph caterpillars may be found on this grass.

Resources

  • ARKive (likely defunct).
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • Discover Life.
  • Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions.