Bitter Panicgrass
(Panicum amarum)
Bitter Panicgrass (Panicum amarum)
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cultivar413
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Photo by: cultivar413 | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: cultivar413 | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Panicum amarum, commonly known as Bitter Panicgrass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to coastal dunes, barrier islands, and sandy shores in the Eastern USA, the Caribbean, and Mexico. It is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of its native habitat, including salt spray and poor, sandy soils. This grass typically has stems up to 2.5 meters tall and 1 centimeter thick, which may grow erect or bent over. The thick, firm, bluish leaves can reach up to half a meter in length. Its inflorescence is a narrow panicle up to 80 centimeters long and 17 centimeters wide. While some seed production occurs, most reproduction is vegetative, with new plants sprouting from tillers and the rhizome.
Bitter Panicgrass is valued for its ability to stabilize dunes and prevent erosion, making it an important plant for coastal management. Its aboveground parts act as a windbreak, while the extensive root system anchors the sand. The cultivar ’Dewey Blue’ offers ornamental appeal with its attractive foliage and is used in garden settings for its texture and color. Bitter Panicgrass thrives in full sun to part shade, requires low amounts of water, and prefers soils with fast to medium drainage. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be an excellent choice for xeriscaping or naturalistic coastal landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bitter Panicgrass is valued for its ability to stabilize dunes and prevent erosion, making it an important plant for coastal management. Its aboveground parts act as a windbreak, while the extensive root system anchors the sand. The cultivar ’Dewey Blue’ offers ornamental appeal with its attractive foliage and is used in garden settings for its texture and color. Bitter Panicgrass thrives in full sun to part shade, requires low amounts of water, and prefers soils with fast to medium drainage. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be an excellent choice for xeriscaping or naturalistic coastal landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Coastal dunes, barrier islands, and sandy shores
Other Names
Common Names: Bitter Panic Grass , Bitter Panicum , Bitter Switchgrass , Seabeach Grass , Coastal Switchgrass
Scientific Names: Panicum amarum , Panicum amarum var. amarulum , Panicum amarum subsp. amarulum , Panicum amarum var. amarum , Panicum amarulum , Panicum amarum subsp. amarum , Panicum amarum var. minus , Chasea amara , Panicum amaroides
GBIF Accepted Name: Panicum amarum Elliott