Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Panicum

Species:

Panicum amarum

USDA Symbol:

PAAM2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

180 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep,oct

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fall Color:

tan, yellow

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire; tolerates periodic burning typical of coastal dune systems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

commonly found in coastal dunes and sandy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with light exposure and warm temperatures after cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI