Scribner dichanthelium
Also known as: Scribner's panicum
Dichanthelium oligosanthes (J.A. Schultes) Gould var. scribnerianum (Nash) Gould
[=Panicum oligosanthes J.A. Schultes var. scribnerianum (Nash) Fernald ]
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Morphology
- Culm
- Erect or ascending; simple initially, later usually branched above, often bent abruptly at bases, glabrous, rough or soft-hairy.
- Blades
- Ascending or erect, lanceolate, 2-4 inches long, to 1/2 inch wide, firm, rounded at bases, rough and sparingly hairy or glabrous below, glabrous above; tips pointed.
- Sheath
- Longer than internodes, loose, distinctly ribbed, stiff-hairy or glabrous.
- Ligule
- Short fringes of hairs.
- Inflorescence
- Panicles, pyramidal, 1.5 to 3.5 inches long; branches ascending or spreading, .75 to 1.5 inch long, wavy.
- Spikelets
- Egg-shaped, less than 1/6 inch long, blunt, swollen, strongly nerved, sparsely pubescent or nearly glabrous, borne at ends of branches; awns absent.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Open prairies, meadows, disturbed ground, and occasionally in woods, more common on sandy soils.
- Distribution
- East 3/4 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Forage Value
- It can be grazed in fall, winter, and spring. It is palatable and nutritious to livestock but does not furnish large amounts of forage.
Additional Notes
Comments
Tufted. Scribner dichanthelium begins growth in the early fall and remains green throughout the winter. It was named for Frank L. Scribner, (1851-1938), a grass specialist in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Panicum oligosanthes
Full Citation: Panicum oligosanthes J.A. Schultes
Subspecies/Varieties:
- var. scribnerianum Fernald
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Family
- Poaceae - Grass Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 6-24 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-08-25
Flowering Period
Blooms: May, June