Dichanthelium scoparium

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Common Names: Velvet Panicum [1], Velvet panic grass [2]

Dichanthelium scoparium
Dichanthelium scoparium AFP.jpg
Photo by the Atlas of Florida Plants Database
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants
Class: Liliopsida - Moncots
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Dichanthelium
Species: D. scoparium
Binomial name
Dichanthelium scoparium
(Lamarck) Gould
DICH SCOP DIST.JPG
Natural range of Dichanthelium scoparium from USDA NRCS Plants Database.

Taxonomic Notes

Synonym: D. acuminatum var. fasciculatum

Variety: Panicum glutinoscabrum, Panicum scoparium (Lamark)

Description

D. scoparium is a perennial gaminoid of the Poaceae family that is native to North America. [1]

Distribution

D. scoparium is commonly found across the southeastern United States, reaching as far west as Texas, and along the east coast up into New England. [1]

Ecology

Habitat

The bunchgrass prefers coarse soils and precipitation of 30-555 inches. It is commonly found in sandy woods, low areas, and disturbed regions. [1]

Habitats that specimens were collected from include edges of mesic woodlands, moist loamy sands, creek bottoms, boggy pineland, deciduous woods, fresh water marsh, pine flatwoods, near brackish water, along creeks, and woods near ponds. [3]

Phenology

Flowering for D. scoparium occurs between May and July. [4] The basal rosette structure is produced during the fall and winter, the stems of the grass are produced during the spring. [1]

Use by animals

Wild turkeys and white tailed deer use the plant for winter forage. Small mammals and birds feed on the plant. [1]

Conservation and Management

The bunchgrass is considered an endangered species in Indiana. [1]

Cultivation and restoration

D. scoparium has been used as a revegetation source when working to restore a disturbed area.[1]

Photo Gallery

References and notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 USDA Plant Database
  2. Cipollini, M. L., et al. (2012). "Herbaceous plants and grasses in a mountain longleaf pine forest undergoing restoration: a survey and comparative study." Southeastern Naturalist 11: 637-668.
  3. URL: http://herbarium.bio.fsu.edu. Last accessed: June 2018. Collectors: States and counties: Florida (Wakulla, Calhoun, Bay, Gulf, Holmes, Liberty, Washinton, Leon, Jackson, Houston, Franklin, Nassau, Duval, Escambia, St. Johns, Madison), Arkansas (Saline, Pope), Georgia (Thomas, Oglethrope, Camden, Sumter), Louisiana (Oachita, Washington, St. Landry, Tangipahoa, Union), Virginia (Dinwiddie, Virginia Beach, Prine Edward), Mississippi (Jones, Smith, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Hancock), Alabama (Montgomery), Texas (Freestone), South Carolina (Clarendon, Georgetown, McCormick), North Carolina (Nash), Oklahoma (Pushmataha),
  4. Pan Flora