Origin and Common Names
Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong is a species of Panicum grass that is native to North America, specifically the southeastern United States. This plant is commonly known as taper-tip panicgrass, long-tongue panicgrass, and southern panicgrass.Uses
Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong is primarily used as forage for livestock. It is a warm-season grass that is highly palatable and provides good nutrition for grazing animals, particularly cattle and horses. Additionally, this grass is sometimes used for erosion control and soil stabilization in areas where it is planted in large quantities.General Appearance
Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong is a perennial grass that grows up to 3 feet tall. This grass has narrow, elongated leaves that are pinnately veined and taper to a sharp point at the tip. The seed heads of this grass are large and showy, with numerous branches that spread outwards from a central stem. The individual spikelets of the seed head are long and slender, with a distinct point at the tip. The seeds themselves are small and brown, and are held within the spikelets. Overall, this grass has a neat and tidy appearance, and is an attractive addition to any landscape.Light Requirements
Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong grows best in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and produce healthy foliage. Without enough sunlight, the plant can become weak and prone to diseases.
Temperature Needs
The ideal temperature range for Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong is between 70-80°F (21-27°C). The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures from 60-90°F (15-32°C), but extreme heat or cold can cause damage to the foliage. It is important to protect the plant from frost or freezing temperatures, as it is not cold-hardy.
Soil Requirements
Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soil pH levels (6.0-7.0). Avoid planting the plant in heavy, compacted soils or those with poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality and structure.
Cultivation Methods
Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong, also known as long-tongue panicum, is a warm-season perennial bunch grass that is commonly grown for pasture and hay production. It is native to the southeastern United States, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.
The easiest way to propagate this grass is through seed, which should be planted in the early spring after the last frost or in the early fall before the first frost. The seeds can be broadcast or drilled, and they should be planted at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Watering Needs
Long-tongue panicum prefers moist soils, but it can withstand drought conditions once established. It is important to keep the soil moist during the seed germination phase and for the first few weeks after planting. After that, the grass should be watered deeply once or twice a week.
If the grass is grown in a container, it will require more frequent watering, especially during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Long-tongue panicum is a moderate feeder, and it will benefit from periodic fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied in the spring and summer at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet. The grass should be watered after fertilization to ensure that the nutrients penetrate the soil.
If the soil is deficient in a specific nutrient, a soil test can be conducted, and a fertilizer can be prescribed accordingly.
Pruning
Long-tongue panicum does not require regular pruning, but it can be mowed to a height of 3 to 4 inches in the late fall or early spring to remove dead growth and promote fresh growth. If the grass becomes too tall and leggy, it can be cut back to a height of 6 inches in the early summer to encourage new growth.
If seed production is desired, the grass should not be mowed until the seed heads have matured and turned brown. The seed heads can then be collected and stored for future use.
Propagation of Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong
Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong, commonly known as taper panicgrass, can be propagated through seeds. Seeds are readily available from many nurseries, seed banks, and botanical gardens.
Seed Propagation
For seed propagation, the seeds should be sown in a container or directly in the ground during fall or early spring. Seeds should be sown 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in well-drained soil. Germination occurs within 10 to 14 days, and seedlings should be thinned to 6 to 12 inches apart.
Before planting, soil should be prepared by removing weeds and debris and loosening the soil about 6 inches deep. Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong prefers sunny locations with moist to well-drained soil. Watering should be done regularly, but the plant should not be overwatered.
Seedlings should be watered thoroughly after planting and should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant will grow quickly and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every three months.
After approximately one year, seedlings should be transplanted to their final location in the garden or landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Panicum Acuminatum Sw. var. Longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong
Panicum acuminatum Sw. var. longiligulatum (Nash) Lelong is a perennial grass, commonly known as Western Panicum. It is native to the southeastern United States and grows well in wet soils. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pest attacks which can reduce its yield and quality. Below are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant, and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular lesions with brown centers and yellowish halos on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides.
Crown rust: Crown rust is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves, causing small yellowish-orange pustules. The pustules contain spores that spread the disease to other plants. To manage this disease, plant resistant varieties, remove infected plants, and apply fungicides.
Sclerotinia rot: Sclerotinia rot is a fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves, stems, and flowers. The fungal spores overwinter in plant debris and soil. To manage this disease, avoid overhead irrigation, rotation of crops, and application of fungicides.
Pests
Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on leaves, creating large holes. They can also attack the stem and inflorescences of the plant. To manage armyworms, monitor the plants regularly, handpick the caterpillars, and apply insecticides.
Cutworms: Cutworms are larvae that cut off the seedlings at ground level. To manage this pest, avoid planting in fields where cutworms were observed in the previous season, and apply insecticides.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage aphids, apply insecticidal soap, release ladybugs, or introduce parasitic wasps that attack aphids.
Effective disease and pest management involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods. It is important to identify the problem early, and apply the appropriate control measures to prevent the spread of the disease or pest.
