Whitegrass

Leersia virginica

Whitegrass

Robert H. Mohlenbrock

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Leersia
Species:
Leersia virginica

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
Green

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Canada: New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Crocidophora serratissimalis, Northern Pearly-Eye (Enodia anthedon)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, fertile, loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in wetlands and riparian zones

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are planted into round cell greenhouse flat liners with 38 cells per flat filled with coarse processed bark and composted pine bark growing medium. Seeds are surface sown at a rate of 3-5 seeds per cell and lightly covered with starter sized, 1/16" - 1/8" diameter, granite poultry grit. Prepared flats are lightly hand watered and cold stratified at 35 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 21 days.

Source: npn.rngr.net