Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Dichanthelium

Species:

Dichanthelium hirstii

USDA Symbol:

DIHI13

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug,sep

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Occurs in fire-maintained pine savannas; responds positively to periodic fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Typically found in wetland habitats; prefers open, sunny areas.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold, moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.