Overview:
Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & C.A. Clark var. thermale (Boland.) Freckmann, commonly known as thermal rosette grass, is a perennial grass that is native to North America. It is a member of the family Poaceae and is commonly found in prairies, pastures, and open woods.
Description:
The thermal rosette grass grows up to three feet tall and features flat, narrow leaves that are about half an inch wide. The leaves are green or blue-green and slightly rough on the surface. The stems are slender and wiry, and the flowers are clustered in tight, branching panicles that can be up to six inches long.
Uses:
Thermal rosette grass is primarily used for forage and pasture in the United States, particularly in the midwestern and southern states. It is highly palatable and nutritious for livestock, making it a popular choice for grazing, hay, and silage. Though it is not commonly used for human consumption, some Native American tribes utilized the seeds for food and medicine.
Cultivation:
The thermal rosette grass is adapted to a variety of soils and is tolerant of drought, shade, and poor fertility. It requires moderate to high levels of rainfall during the growing season and grows best in full sun. It is typically propagated through seeds or plant division and can be managed through regular mowing or grazing.
Light Requirements
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may reduce its growth rate and overall vigor.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures, with an average range of 15°C to 27°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 32°C may harm the plant. In climates with prolonged periods of freeze, Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale will not flourish.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale should be well-drained and of medium texture, with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter, which allows the plant to absorb enough nutrients. This plant also tolerates alkaline soils, but may not survive in heavily acidic soils. It has a shallow root system, so avoid soil that is compacted or rocky.
Cultivation methods
Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & C.A. Clark var. thermale (Boland.) Freckmann, commonly known as heat-loving panicgrass, is an adaptable plant that can thrive in a range of growing conditions. It is a warm-season grass that prefers full sunlight and moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level. This grass is hardy and can withstand dry periods, making it an ideal choice for regions with hot and arid climates.
Watering needs
Heat-loving panicgrass should be watered regularly but not over-watered. It prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged. An adequate supply of water helps the grass to thrive and stay healthy. During periods of drought, the plant can become dormant and turn brown, but it will green up again when water is available.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth and health of heat-loving panicgrass. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15, in the spring when new growth starts. Fertilizer can be applied again in mid-summer if necessary. However, be mindful not to over-fertilize, which can result in excessive growth and a decrease in drought tolerance.
Pruning
Heat-loving panicgrass does not require frequent pruning. However, you can trim off any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant as needed. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to wait until after the growing season to avoid hindering the plant's growth. Cut back to the base of the plant, or to where healthy plant tissue begins.
Propagation of Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale can be propagated vegetatively or from seeds.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale can be done through division.
The plant should be divided in early spring before new shoot growth begins.
Divide the plant into sections making sure that each section has a healthy root system and some foliage.
Replant divisions in a well-draining soil mixture, and keep them well-watered until established.
Vegetative propagation may also be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in spring or early summer.
Cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long and should be planted in a well-draining planting mix.
Cover with plastic to maintain high humidity until new growth appears.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale can be done by sowing seeds directly into the soil or by starting them indoors.
Seeds should be sown in the fall or spring, 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining soil mixture.
If starting seeds indoors, use seed-starting mix and keep it moist but not waterlogged.
Seeds should germinate in 10 to 14 days and can be transplanted outdoors when they have developed two to three true leaves.
Keep seedlings well-watered until they are established.
Disease Management
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, under certain conditions, it can be affected by various fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens and appears as brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as yellow or orange powdery spots on the leaves. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected leaves and avoid overcrowding the plants.
- Root Rot: This fungal disease is caused by various pathogens and appears as wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage root rot, it is recommended to improve soil drainage and avoid over-watering the plant.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease appears as brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thermale is generally pest-resistant. However, under certain conditions, it can be affected by various pests. The most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant and cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, it is recommended to remove them by hand or use insecticidal soap.
- Mites: Mites are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. To manage mites, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These pests chew through the base of the stem and cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, it is recommended to use physical barriers or biological controls such as parasitic wasps.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and curl. To manage whiteflies, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
