Description:
Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould var. glabrifolium (Nash) Gould & C.A. Clark, commonly known as velvet panicum, is a perennial grass native to North America. It is a member of the family Poaceae and is related to other important grasses such as corn and wheat.
Appearance:
This grass can grow up to three feet tall and has a clumping growth habit. The leaves are glabrous, meaning they lack hair or bristles. They are typically bluish-green, with a glossy sheen to them. The inflorescence is a panicle, which is a loose, branching cluster of flowers. The blooms are typically white or greenish-white and are not showy.
Uses:
Velvet panicum is not widely cultivated, but it is a valuable forage grass for livestock. The plants are highly palatable and have good nutritional value. The grass also has potential for erosion control, as it has an extensive root system that anchors soil in place. In addition, velvet panicum is sometimes used in prairie restoration projects.
In herbal medicine, velvet panicum is sometimes used to treat digestive disorders and urinary tract infections. However, its medicinal properties have not been extensively studied.
Common Names:
Velvet panicum is also known by a variety of other common names, including velvet-seed panic grass, witch grass, and forked panic grass.
Light Requirements
Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould var. glabrifolium prefers full to partial sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. However, it is also capable of tolerating some shade, which makes it a versatile plant suitable for different lighting conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the growing season. It is also capable of withstanding occasional frost and cold temperatures from 0°C to -10°C (32°F to 14°F) during the dormant period. This variety of Dichanthelium dichotomum is well adapted to the subtropical and temperate regions of the United States.
Soil Requirements
Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould var. glabrifolium grows best in well-draining sandy or loamy soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 5.5 to 7.5). It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clayey soils. However, it does not grow well in compacted soils, soils with poor drainage, or soils with high salinity. Adequate soil moisture is also crucial for the growth and development of this plant.
Cultivation methods
Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould var. glabrifolium (Nash) Gould & C.A. Clark can be cultivated in areas with full sun to partial shade. It requires well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant of drought and prefers a dry soil.
Watering needs
Although Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould var. glabrifolium (Nash) Gould & C.A. Clark is drought tolerant, it does require consistent watering during the establishment period. The plant should be watered once a week during the growing season and should not be overwatered.
Fertilization
Additional fertilization is not necessary as Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould var. glabrifolium (Nash) Gould & C.A. Clark prefers lean soil. However, if desired, a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied during the growing season.
Pruning
Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould var. glabrifolium (Nash) Gould & C.A. Clark does not require pruning, although it can be trimmed back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead or damaged foliage should be removed as necessary.
Propagation of Dichanthelium dichotomum var. glabrifolium
Dichanthelium dichotomum var. glabrifolium, commonly known as the smoothleaf witchgrass, can be propagated through different methods. Here are some of the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating the smoothleaf witchgrass is through seed propagation. You can collect seeds from mature plants in the fall once the seed heads have dried. Scatter the seeds on a prepared seedbed in the field or greenhouse. Ensure the seedbed is moist, and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Germination usually occurs within two weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted once they are large enough to handle.
Division
Dividing the parent plant is another method of propagating the smoothleaf witchgrass. It is best to divide the plant in early spring before new growth appears. Dig out the entire clump and divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has enough roots. Replant each section and ensure the soil is evenly moist to encourage growth.
Transplanting
You can transplant seedlings or divisions of the smoothleaf witchgrass in the field or garden. Ensure the soil is weed-free, moist, and fertile. Transplant the seedlings or divisions at the same depth as they were growing previously. Water the transplants immediately after planting and maintain consistent moisture until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichanthelium dichotomum var. glabrifolium
Dichanthelium dichotomum var. glabrifolium is a beautiful and hardy plant. However, it can still fall prey to a number of diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that you may encounter with this plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fusarium blight: This disease affects the roots and stems of the plant, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death. To manage Fusarium blight, remove the infected plants and soil. You can also treat the soil with fungicides.
Leaf rust: Leaf rust appears as yellow-brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by pruning infected parts of the plant and spraying a fungicide on the leaves. Be careful not to spread the spores as you work.
Southern blight: Southern blight is caused by a fungus that appears as white, web-like filaments on the stems of the plant. This disease can lead to rapid plant death. To manage Southern blight, remove the infected plants and avoid planting in the same area for several years.
Common Pests
Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, remove the infected portions of the plant and spray with an insecticide.
Japanese beetles: The adults of this beetle species feed on the foliage of the plant, leaving behind holes and skeletonized leaves. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them off the plant or use a trap to capture them. You can also use insecticides to control them.
Aphids: These insects also feed on the sap of the plant, but they can also transmit plant viruses. To manage aphids, remove the infected portions of the plant and spray with insecticides. You can also introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which feed on aphids.
By being vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can manage and prevent diseases and pests from damaging your Dichanthelium dichotomum var. glabrifolium plants. Remember to always take care when using chemicals and to follow the label instructions.
