Angleton Grass

(Dichanthium aristatum)

Angleton Grass (Dichanthium aristatum)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 25" - 75"
High Temp. 85°F - 96°F
Low Temp. 42°F - 65°F

Summary

Andropogon caricosus, commonly known as Angleton grass or Yellow bluestem, is a perennial grass native to open woodlands and savannas in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is a robust, tufted grass that can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) with a similar spread. Angleton grass has blue-green foliage that turns a distinctive yellow or bronze in the fall, and it produces narrow, fluffy flower spikes in late summer to fall. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they add a fine-textured element to the landscape.

Angleton grass is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, provided they are well-drained. It is commonly used for pasture and hay production due to its high forage quality for livestock. In cultivation, it requires full sun to maintain its best form and productivity. While it is not typically grown for ornamental purposes, it can be used in naturalized areas or as a tall ground cover in rural landscapes. Gardeners should be cautious, as Dichanthium aristatum (a synonym for Andropogon caricosus) is known to be potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, particularly in the southern United States, where it can outcompete native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Erosion Control, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands and savannas in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Australia and Papua New Guinea

Other Names

Common Names: Angleton Grass, Kleberg Bluestem, Awned Dichanthium, Bluestem, Mao Geng Shuang Hua Cao

Scientific Names: Dichanthium aristatum, Andropogon aristatus, Andropogon caricosus subsp. mollicomus, Andropogon caricosus var. glabrior, Andropogon caricosus var. heteropogonoides, Andropogon caricosus var. mollicomus, Andropogon incurvatus, Andropogon incurvatus, Andropogon koenigii

GBIF Accepted Name: Dichanthium aristatum