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deertongue
Scientific Name: Dichanthelium clandestinum
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Deer Tongue: A Multifaceted Plant
The name "Deer Tongue" applies to several different plants. This page explores the varied species that share this common moniker.
Considerations for Pets
- Some "Deer Tongue" varieties are grasses, which may be appealing to grazing animals.
Considerations for Children
- Some "Deer Tongue" varieties are lettuce, which is a generally safe vegetable for children.
- One "Deer Tongue" variety is grass.
Botanical and Common Names
- Several species share the common name "Deer Tongue." This includes:
- Dichanthelium clandestinum, also called "Deer-Tongue Grass" or "Deertongue Witchgrass."
- Liatris odoratissima, also known as "Vanilla Leaf" or "American Wild Vanilla."
- Various cultivars of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), such as "Amish Deer Tongue Lettuce" and "Red Deer Tongue Lettuce."
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Dichanthelium clandestinum: Belongs to the Grass family (Poaceae). Synonyms include "deertongue."
- Liatris odoratissima: Belongs to the Asteraceae family.
Distribution and Habitat
- Liatris odoratissima (Vanilla Plant) is native to the U.S. coastal region from North Carolina to Florida.
- Dichanthelium clandestinum is frequently found as a weed in pastures and hayfields.
Morphological Characteristics
- Dichanthelium clandestinum is a perennial grass that grows 1-4 feet tall.
- Lettuce varieties called "Deer Tongue" have narrow, pointed, triangular leaves. Some have red edges. Amish Deer Tongue Lettuce plants are compact and produce heavily.
Traditional and Folk Uses
- Deer's Tongue has been used in folk magic for luck in love affairs and court cases.
- Dried Deer's Tongue (likely referring to Liatris odoratissima) has a sweet scent and is used for its coumarin content, reminiscent of tonka bean.
- Deer Tongue is used sparingly in tobacco blends to add a slight vanilla flavor.
Quirky Facts
- The name "Deer Tongue" comes from the resemblance of the leaves to a deer's tongue.
- One unusual (and potentially unsafe) use reported in the text involves a woman using a deer tongue for self-pleasure.
Ecological Role
- Deer Tongue Grass is a good source of food for turkey, songbirds, and deer. It is adaptable to acidic and infertile soils.
Further Information
- More information about Deer-tongue Witchgrass (Dichanthelium clandestinum) can be found in the Encyclopedia of Life.