Overview
Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. is a perennial grass native to North America. This plant is part of the Poaceae family, also commonly known as the grass family, and is commonly referred to as Smooth Rosette Panicum. This plant can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including ditches, fields, roadsides, and waste areas.
Appearance
The Smooth Rosette Panicum plant grows up to about three feet tall and has a rosette shape with several stems that can spread out up to about 2 feet. The stems of this plant are slender and green, and the leaves are narrow, flat, and about 1-5 inches long. The flowers of this plant are small and inconspicuous, and the seeds are usually borne in large, dense panicles that can be up to 6 inches long.
Common Names
Smooth Rosette Panicum is commonly known by several other names including Smooth Panicgrass, Bitter Panicum, Mossgrass, and Tall Swamp Panic Grass.
Uses
Smooth Rosette Panicum has some important uses in erosion control, and because this plant is so adaptable, it is commonly used for this purpose in many different types of landscapes including agricultural fields, mining sites, and construction sites. In some regions, it is also used for forage for livestock. Additionally, some indigenous peoples have been known to use the leaves of Smooth Rosette Panicum for food or to make a tea that was used as a cough remedy.
Growth Conditions for Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn.
Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. grows best in full sunlight and is not tolerant to shade. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in areas that receive full sun, where it can get six or more hours of direct sunlight per day.
The ideal temperature for the growth of Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. ranges from 70°F to 90°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F but may not grow well when the temperature is too high. Therefore, it is best to grow it in areas with moderate temperatures.
Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. grows well in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should range between 5.0 and 7.5. It is also important to note that this plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and performs better in areas with adequate water drainage.
Cultivation methods for Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn.
Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn., commonly known as shiny panicgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass that thrives in full sunlight. It prefers growing in well-drained soils such as loam, clay, and sandy soils that have a pH between 6-7.5. Shiny panicgrass can be grown from seed or a small portion of the rhizome/root. It is best to plant it in the spring when soil temperatures reach 60°F.
Watering needs for Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn.
Shiny panicgrass requires moderate watering during the early stages of growth. After that, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering. It is important to make sure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and damage the plant's growth. In the event of a prolonged drought period, the grass may need to be watered to maintain its growth.
Fertilization of Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn.
Shiny panicgrass prefers soil with low fertility levels. It is recommended to apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio containing iron, magnesium, and sulfur for optimal growth. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, preferably in the early spring before the green-up period. The amount of fertilizer needed is dependent on the soil test results, so it's advisable to perform soil tests to determine the appropriate amount of fertilizer to apply.
Pruning of Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn.
Shiny panicgrass does not require frequent pruning, but if necessary, it can be pruned during the growing season. Pruning can be done by using a string trimmer to cut off the top portion of the grass or by using a pair of shears to trim the grass blades. It is recommended to leave at least 2-3 inches of the grass blades to ensure optimal growth. Fluffy seed heads can also be removed to prevent spreading of seeds. Dead or damaged blades can be removed at any time to maintain the plant's overall appearance.
Propagation of Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn.
Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn., commonly known as shiny panicgrass, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, division, and cuttings.
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. is through seeds. Collect the seeds from the matured plant and sow them in deep pots filled with well-draining soil. Water the seeds regularly and wait for them to germinate. Once seedlings reach a height of about 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Division
Another method of propagation is through division. Dig up the matured plant and gently separate the root ball into several divisions. Plant the divisions in separate containers or in the ground with well-draining soil. Water the divisions regularly and place them in a shaded area until new growth begins.
Cuttings
Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. can also be propagated through cuttings. Take softwood cuttings in the spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in the fall. Ensure that the cutting is around 4-6 inches long and remove any leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded location until they establish roots.
Disease Management
Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. is typically a hardy plant and is not particularly prone to diseases. However, in wet and humid conditions, it may become susceptible to fungal infections.
Leaf spot disease is a common fungal infection that can affect the plant. This disease often causes small, circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected leaves immediately and spray a copper-based fungicide on the remaining foliage. Improving the air circulation around the plant by pruning nearby vegetation can also reduce the incidence of leaf spot disease.
Rust is another fungal disease that may affect the plant and appears as reddish-brown spots on leaves. To control rust, use a fungicide that contains copper and keep the area around the plant free from debris, as rust spores can overwinter in plant litter.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can be problematic for Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. The most common insect pests include leafhoppers, aphids, and grasshoppers.
Leafhoppers are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage the infestation, use an insecticide that contains bifenthrin or imidacloprid. Applying a neem oil spray to the foliage can also be effective in controlling leafhoppers.
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that can quickly multiply on the plant, causing yellowing and stunting of growth. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs to the area or use an insecticide that contains neem oil or pyrethrin.
Grasshoppers are a significant pest of Panicum dichotomum L. var. nitidum Chapman ex Scribn. and can cause significant damage by chewing on leaves and stems. To control grasshoppers, use an insecticide that contains carbaryl or permethrin. You can also cover young plants with floating row covers to prevent grasshoppers from feeding on them.
