West Indian Panicgrass
Panicum diffusum
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Navassa Island, Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
Carl Bernhard von Trinius (en.wikipedia.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Panicum
- Species:
- Panicum diffusum
- USDA Symbol:
- PADI7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- 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
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- As a native warm-season grass, it typically resprouts from the root crown following fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in arid and semi-arid regions