Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Cenchrus

Species:

Cenchrus spinifex

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

2-3 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun, Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov

Bloom Colors:

White, Green

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Vermont

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

commonly found in coastal and dune environments