Giant Cutgrass

Zizaniopsis miliacea

Giant Cutgrass

Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Zizaniopsis
Species:
Zizaniopsis miliacea

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
12-20 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Bloom Colors:
Green, Brown

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Donacaula maximella, Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator), Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, moisture-retentive clay or loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in wetland areas