Fall Panicgrass

(Panicum dichotomiflorum)

Fall Panicgrass (Panicum dichotomiflorum)

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Panicum dichotomiflorum Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 34" - 57"
• High Temp. 73°F - 93°F
• Low Temp. 15°F - 59°F

Summary

Panicum dichotomiflorum, commonly known as Fall Panicgrass, is an annual grass native to a variety of habitats including open grasslands, disturbed areas, and along waterways in North America, Mexico, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It typically grows decumbent or erect to a maximum height of about 3 feet (1 meter). Fall Panicgrass is characterized by its hairless leaves and can be distinguished from its relative, Panicum capillare - Witchgrass, by this feature. The inflorescence is a large, open panicle up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) long, fanning out to a width of about 6 inches (16 centimeters), and it is not particularly showy.

This grass is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil types and its ability to thrive in full sun with varying water availability. It is often used for erosion control and as a pioneer species in disturbed sites due to its fast growth rate. However, its potential to spread should be considered before planting, as it can spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation. In cultivation, it generally does best in full sun and in soils with fast, medium, or slow drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1-4 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including open grasslands, disturbed areas, and along waterways in North America, Mexico, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean

Other Names

Common Names: Autumn Millet, Smooth Witchgrass, Fall Panic Grass, Fall Panicum, Bluegrass, Blue-Grass, Spreading Panicgrass, Proso Millet, Gabelblütige Hirse, Gabelästige Hirse

Scientific Names: Panicum dichotomiflorum, Panicum dichotomiflorum var. puritanorum, Panicum dichotomiflorum var. geniculatum, Panicum chloroticum, Panicum dichotomiflorum var. chloroticum, Panicum dichotomiflorum subsp. puritanorum, Panicum multiflorum, Panicum dichotomiflorum var. imperiorum, Panicum geniculatum

GBIF Accepted Name: Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx.