Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Cenchrus

Species:

Cenchrus echinatus

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov

Bloom Colors:

brown

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Navassa Island, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Palau, South Carolina, Texas, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Virginia, Virgin Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

often found in disturbed areas and coastal regions