Tanglehead
Heteropogon contortus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Heteropogon
- Species:
- Heteropogon contortus
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Texas, Virgin Islands
Host Plant for Caterpillars
🛑Hawaiian grass leafroller (Omiodes continuatalis)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in grasslands and open woodlands
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds have a dormancy period of 6-9 months. If seeds must be planted before the 6 month dormancy period has passed, it is possible to break the dormancy with use of 1% gibberellic acid. If seeds are stored at greater than 68°F, their dormancy period is increased to around 12 months.
Establishment: Tanglehead is a highly adaptable grass, occurring natively in warm regions of both hemispheres. It thrives in low-nutrient areas and it is drought tolerant. It is an important grass for erosion control, although it can also be considered a weed because of its high adaptability.
Source: npn.rngr.net