Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Cenchrus

Species:

Cenchrus clandestinus

USDA Symbol:

PECL2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

green, purple

Ground Cover:

Yes

Lawn Substitute:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire; can increase dominance post-fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers fertile soils with good organic content

Propagation & Germination

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm soil without pretreatment.