bitter panicgrass

Family

Poaceae

Scientific Name

Panicum amarum

Other Common Names:

southern sea-beach panic-grass

Habit

Bitter Panicum is a native, perennial, rhizomatous, warm-season dune grass native to coastal regions. It grows upright and close to the ground forming large clumps.

Leaves

Leaves are blue-green in color, 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide, 7 to 20 inches long, and smooth without hair. No auricles are present. The ligule is hairy and is 1-5 mm in length. The leaf sheath is closed and overlap.

Identifying Characteristics

It is a robust grass that can grow up to 4 to 8 ft in height and has deep, extensive rhizome system that spreading slowly to form open clumps.

Flower Seed Head

The inflorescence is a narrow panicle 12 to 15 inches in length. Flowers from August to December. Flowering begins in September and continues through December.

Where Found

Bitter panicgrass grows in coastal wetlands, wet sandy soils, overwash sands, and margins of swamps. It can withstand extended periods of drought. The basic use for bitter panicgrass is erosion control of coastal dunes. It is native to North American and can be found in the U.S. from the east through the lower midwest. Bitter panicgrass is found on sand dunes from New England to Mexico.