Narrowleaf Silkgrass

Pityopsis graminifolia

Narrowleaf Silkgrass

James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Pityopsis
Species:
Pityopsis graminifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
aug, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
Yellow

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Saturated Flower Moth (Schinia saturata), Schinia rufipenna, Schinia tuberculum

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in pine flatwoods and sandy uplands.

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seed may be stratified for a week or less. This seed will begin to emerge in the cooler with germination uniform and complete shortly after it is returned to the bench.

Establishment: Despite reasonable germination tests, greenhouse emergence has been only around 3%. The seed was collected from various locations including Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.

Source: npn.rngr.net