Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Panicum

Species:

Panicum virgatum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

8-12 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun, Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug, sep, oct, nov

Bloom Colors:

Green, Brown

Lawn Substitute:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Canada: Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

fertile, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Thrives in prairies and open woodlands

Germination Information