Origin
Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould, commonly known as woolly panicgrass, is a native perennial herb found in the United States, particularly in the eastern and mid-western regions, such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. It is commonly found in open fields, savannas, prairies, and forests.
Common Names
Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould is known by several common names, including woolly panicgrass, woolly dichanthelium, and woolly witchgrass.
General Appearance
The woolly panicgrass can grow up to 1-3 feet tall. The plant has fibrous roots, producing tufts or basal rosettes of leaves. The leaves are light green, narrow, and can grow up to 6 inches in length. The woolly panicgrass blooms from July to October, producing dense panicles of spikelets that are covered in a long whitish, woolly hair. The seeds are covered in a fine silky hair which ensures their spread by the wind.
Uses
The woolly panicgrass is a forage plant for livestock and is used as a cover crop in soil stabilization and erosion control programs. It is also used to prevent soil compaction and to improve soil structure. This grass is important to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The woolly panicgrass is also used in landscaping, especially in naturalistic and native plant gardens, because of its unique appearance.
Light Requirements
Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may result in weaker growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm weather conditions and can tolerate drought. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. The plant prefers a temperature range of 70-85°F during the day and 60-70°F at night.
Soil Requirements
Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould prefers well-drained soils with a neutral pH range (6.0-7.0). It can survive in soils with a slightly acidic pH, but extreme soil acidity can limit growth. The plant is also capable of growing in poor soils and can tolerate some level of soil salinity.
Cultivation methods for Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould
Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould thrives in well-drained soils. It can grow in various soil types but prefers those with medium to high fertility levels. This plant prefers full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
Watering needs for Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould
This plant has moderate water needs and requires consistent moisture in the soil. It is crucial to water the plant during the growing season because it cannot tolerate drought conditions. However, ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization for Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould
The plant needs regular fertilization to grow healthy and robust. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, preferably one with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilization frequency depends on the soil fertility level and plant growth rate.
Pruning for Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould
Pruning helps to improve the plant's shape and promote bushy growth. It is best to prune the plant during the late winter or early spring before the growing season starts. Use sterilized pruning shears to cut the oldest and weakest stems. Also, remove the dead and diseased leaves to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould
Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould, commonly known as the woolly panic grass, can be propagated by sexual and asexual methods. This plant belongs to the family Poaceae and is native to North America.
Sexual Propagation
The woolly panic grass can be propagated from seeds. The seeds can either be collected from the wild or purchased from nurseries. The best time to sow the seeds is in the early spring or fall. The seeds should be sown ¼ inch deep in a well-drained soil, and kept in a warm and moist environment until they germinate. The plant usually takes 30-60 days to germinate. The seedlings should be transplanted in the garden when they reach a height of about 4 inches.
Asexual Propagation
Dichanthelium lanuginosum (Ell.) Gould var. villosissimum (Nash) Gould can also be propagated by division. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be divided into sections, making sure each section has a good root system and can survive on its own. The divided sections should be planted immediately in a well-drained soil, and kept in a warm and moist environment until they establish roots.
Another asexual method of propagation is by vegetative propagation. The woolly panic grass can be propagated by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants during the spring or summer season. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long, and should be planted in well-drained soil in a warm and moist environment. The cuttings should develop roots within 2-3 weeks, after which they can be transplanted in the garden.
Disease Management
D. lanuginosum var. villosissimum is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can affect its overall growth and yield. The common fungal diseases that affect this plant are rust, anthracnose, and sooty mold. Rust appears as small, reddish-brown pustules on the leaves and can be controlled by regular pruning and providing adequate ventilation. Anthracnose causes small, circular spots on the leaves, which may cause the leaves to shrivel and die. Proper watering practices and removing affected plant material can help to manage anthracnose. Sooty mold is caused by an infestation of sap-sucking insects, and controlling the insects can help to reduce the occurence of sooty mold.
Pest Management
The plant is also susceptible to various pests that can affect its overall health and yield. The common pests that affect this plant are spider mites, aphids, and flea beetles. Spider mites cause silvering of the leaves and can be controlled by regular spraying of insecticidal soap. Aphids cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the plant, and they can be managed by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap. Flea beetles cause small, circular holes in the leaves, and can be managed by using insecticides or planting a trap crop to draw the beetles away from the main crop.
