Origin
Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason is a species of grass that belongs to the family of Poaceae. It is native to the eastern part of North America, specifically the southern states of the USA such as Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Common Names
The scientific name of this plant is also known as Panicum tennesseense. Common names for this species include Fuzzy Panicgrass, Tennessee Panicgrass, and Wooly Panicgrass.
Uses
Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason is primarily used for land restoration, erosion control, and forage production. It is an important grass species due to its ability to grow well in degraded and disturbed soils. In addition, the plant has been used in pastures for feeding livestock and restoring soil fertility.
General Appearance
Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason is a perennial grass species that can grow up to 1-2 feet tall. The plant has a fibrous root system and can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy soil and clay. The leaves are flat, narrow, and have a bluish-green to reddish-brown color. The leaf blades can range from 6 to 15 inches in length and 0.2 to 0.5 inches in width. This plant blooms from late summer to late fall. The flowers are arranged in panicles and can vary in color from purple, brown, and green. Fruits are small and have a diameter of about 1.5 mm.
Light Requirements
Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason is a species of grass that grows best in areas that receive full sun exposure. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If grown in an area with insufficient light, the plant may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason growth is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This species of grass is best suited for areas with a subtropical to tropical climate. If grown in areas with temperatures outside this range, the plant may become dormant or stressed.
Soil Requirements
Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason prefers soils that are well-draining and high in nutrients. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, loamy, or acidic soils. However, the plant will not thrive in soils that are compacted, poorly drained, or nutrient deficient. It is important to provide adequate water and nutrients to the plant to help it establish and grow efficiently.
Cultivation Methods
Panicum lanuginosum var. tennesseense is relatively easy to cultivate. Planting can be done through seeds or divisions during spring. The newly planted specimens should be kept in a lightly shaded area until they have acclimatized to the new environment. Panicum lanuginosum prefers well-draining soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Cultivators should ensure the soil is kept moist, but not waterlogged. In areas with excessively high temperatures, the plant should receive partial shade during the hottest periods of the day.
Watering Needs
Panicum lanuginosum var. tennesseense prefers a regular watering schedule as it cannot tolerate dry spells. Although this plant can tolerate drought conditions occasionally, it should not be allowed to remain in such conditions for extended periods. Watering should be done slowly and deeply, allowing the soil to absorb the water adequately. Overhead watering may expose the plant to fungal diseases; as such, the cultivator should use a drip irrigation system. The cultivator should check the soil moisture several days after watering to ensure that the plant is receiving enough water.
Fertilization
Panicum lanuginosum var. tennesseense does not require an extensive fertilization schedule, but an annual addition of compost in the spring is beneficial. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided, as they encourage tender growth that is susceptible to diseases and pests. Lightly spreading compost around the base of the plant will provide the necessary nutrients. Additionally, using mulch throughout the growing season will help the plant retain moisture and provide a slow-release of nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning Panicum lanuginosum var. tennesseense is typically not necessary. However, dead or diseased portions of the plant should be removed as soon as possible. If the cultivator wishes to keep the plant's size in check, they can trim the plant's upper leaves in mid-summer. However, extensive pruning is not recommended as the plant may not recover to its initial shape.
Propagation of Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason
Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason, commonly known as woolly panic grass, is a native plant species found in the southeastern United States.
It is a perennial plant that spreads effectively using both vegetative and sexual propagation.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is a common method of asexual propagation of Panicum lanuginosum Ell. var. tennesseense (Ashe) Gleason. In the late winter or early spring, division is performed by digging up the mature plant and dividing the root mass into smaller sections.
Each section must contain a healthy root system and several viable stems. After division, replant the individual sections and water them thoroughly.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a sexual method of propagation and requires more time and effort than asexual propagation. Collect seed from mature plants in late summer or early fall.
Clean the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place. In the spring, plant the seeds in a pre-moistened seed-starting mix and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist and at a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds should germinate in approximately two weeks.
After germination, thin the seedlings to one per pot and allow them to grow to a mature size before transplanting them to their final location.
Disease Management:
Panicum lanuginosum is not highly susceptible to diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect it are leaf spot, rust, and smut.
To manage leaf spot, remove affected leaves and ensure there is good air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering and apply fungicide if necessary. For rust, remove infected plant material, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicide as necessary. Smut can be managed by removing visible galls and disposing of them properly.
Pest Management:
The most common pests that may affect Panicum lanuginosum are aphids, grasshoppers, and spider mites.
For aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and avoid over-fertilization. Grasshoppers can be managed using row covers or physical barriers. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used. Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant, using insecticidal soap, or using a miticide product.
