Common names: velvet dichanthelium, velvet panicum, velvet panic grass

Scientific names: Dichanthelium scoparium (Panicum cryptanthum, P. scagriusculum, P. scoparium)

Seasons of significant use: winter (for Dichanthelium spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial, cool season grass with culms to 5.0 feet. Forms winter rosettes. Spring phase usually with simple culms becoming thick and much branched in late season. Culms usually velvety pubescent with glabrous, somewhat glutinous bands below the nodes; leaves usually 4-15 times longer than wide, usually soft-hairy or velvety; basal leaves usually less than 2.0 inches long and 0.5-1.2 inches wide; inflorescence a panicle. Flowers May-November including spring and fall phases.

Plant community type: Usually in wooded areas, but also in wooded-open edge situations. Usually found in moist or even boggy areas (e.g., along streams, creeks, and in swales, etc.).

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family