Sugarcane Plumegrass

Erianthus giganteus

Sugarcane Plumegrass

Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual of the grasses of the United States. USDA Miscellaneous Publication No. 200. Washington, DC. 1950.

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Erianthus
Species:
Erianthus giganteus

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
oct
Bloom Colors:
Red

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica), Meropleon cosmion

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 wetlands and marshes

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds require 3 weeks cool stratification at 45°F, and 35% relative humidity

Source: npn.rngr.net