Difference between revisions of "Dichanthelium scoparium"

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(Conservation and Management)
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==Conservation and Management==
 
==Conservation and Management==
The bunchgrass is considered an endangered species in Indiana. <ref name= "USDA"> [https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CEAM USDA Plant Database]</ref>
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This species is listed as endangered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves.<ref name= "USDA"> [https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CEAM USDA Plant Database]</ref>
  
 
==Cultivation and restoration==
 
==Cultivation and restoration==

Revision as of 08:11, 2 May 2019

Common Names: Velvet Panicum [1]; Velvet panic grass [2]; Velvet witchgrass

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

Synonyms: Panicum scoparium Lamarck

Description

D. scoparium is a perennial gaminoid of the Poaceae family that is native to North America. [1] It can be identified by its dense and velvety pubescence that can be found on the internodes, sheaths, and blades of this plant, as well as the viscid band that is below the nodes.

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] It is also native to Mexico as well as the West Indies.[3]

Ecology

Habitat

Generally, D. scoparium can be found in moist sandy soils of ditches or woodland openings.[3] 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. [4]

Phenology

This species generally flowers from May until October.[3] D. scoparium has been observed to flower between May and July.[5] 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

This species is listed as endangered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves.[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. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Weakley, A. S. (2015). Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States. Chapel Hill, NC, University of North Carolina Herbarium.
  4. 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),
  5. Nelson, G. PanFlora: Plant data for the eastern United States with emphasis on the Southeastern Coastal Plains, Florida, and the Florida Panhandle. www.gilnelson.com/PanFlora/ Accessed: 21 MAY 2018