Redtop Panicgrass
Coleataenia rigidula
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Cayman Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © baxter-slye (iNaturalist #66108353)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Coleataenia
- Species:
- Coleataenia rigidula
- USDA Symbol:
- PARI4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Fall Color:
- brown
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout after fire; fire may stimulate seed germination.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained sandy loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wet prairies and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)