Heller's Rosette Grass
Dichanthelium oligosanthes
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © crontl72 (iNaturalist #13249985)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Dichanthelium
- Species:
- Dichanthelium oligosanthes
- USDA Symbol:
- DIOL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- brown
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout after fire; often increases in abundance following low-severity burns.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- adapted to open woods and prairies
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.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)