Deertongue grass - Panicum clandestinum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Deertongue grass

Also known as: Deer-tongue grass, Witch grass

Deertongue grass (Panicum clandestinum) is a perennial grass that grows from 61 to 122 cm tall. It blooms in spring to summer, but flowers are very small and not visible to the naked eye. It is a self-pollinator, and birds are attracted to it for its seeds. It prefers full sun and moist soil.

Scientific classification

Species

Deertongue grass (Panicum clandestinum)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Grass

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

Green, White, Yellow, Purple, Brown

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Deertongue grass

Attributes of Deertongue grass

Growth Rate

Developing at a slow pace, deertongue grass's growth is unique during Spring and Summer. Carefully, it uses this period to establish a firm root system before producing more visible growth. Restricted growth patterns might be noticed, as deertongue grass prioritizes energy conservation over rapid expansion. This slow growth fosters robustness, enhancing deertongue grass's resilience to environmental stressors. During other seasons, notably Winter, deertongue grass further reduces its growth speed to survive.

Distribution of Deertongue grass

Distribution Map

Deertongue grass is a plant species with a natural distribution that includes [details on its native range]. Its geographic presence extends beyond its original habitat, having been introduced to regions in Europe. The spread of deertongue grass is notable for its selectivity in transitioning from native terrains to non-native ones.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Moist soils of woodland edges and clearings

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Luck in love affairs and court cases

Name Story

Deertongue: The plant features basal clusters of deer-tongue shaped leaves followed by a three to five foot tall of a central flower stalk with purple flowers in late summer. Therefore, it is commonly called deertongue.

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Weed Control

Deertongue grass is a native grass found in the eastern United States. The weed is not considered an invasive species, but as a result of its weedy characteristics, it can be hard to get rid of when it takes hold. The perennial grass grows in clumps with a thick root system, and these spreading clumps quickly choke out native plants. Adding to its invasive nature are the spreading rhizomes. In ideal climates, the grassy weed can overtake lawns, pastures, and gardens. Thinner, cold weather grasses are the most affected, but the weed is also posing a problem for thicker tropical lawns.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of deertongue grass is late spring or early summer, just before it starts to produce seeds. This preemptive strategy can help control the spread of the plant effectively. Here are some methods for controlling this plant:

Hand-pulling: Pull out the deertongue grass manually, ensuring to remove all the roots to prevent any regrowth. Do this after a rain for easier soil looseness.
Smothering: Cover the deertongue grass with several layers of newspaper or cardboard, then cover it with mulch. This cuts off sunlight and suffocates the plant.
Solarization: In summer, wet the area with deertongue grass and cover it with a clear plastic tarp. The sun will heat the soil underneath, killing the plant and its seeds.
Vinegar Solution: Spray a solution of vinegar and water on the deertongue grass, which can help kill it. However, be careful as this can also affect the surrounding plants.
Use of Beneficial Insects: Certain bugs and insects feed on deertongue grass, helping to naturally control its growth. However, always consult with a local gardening expert to avoid introducing pests.

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Care Guide for Deertongue grass

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Deertongue grass thrives in moist conditions, requiring consistent hydration with weekly watering to maintain balance. It exhibits moderate drought tolerance and flourishes in environments with soil moisture similar to its natural habitat, necessitating careful irrigation monitoring during the active growing season.

Propagation: Deertongue grass propagates best in spring or autumn via division. Though moderately challenging, success indicators include new shoots and root growth. Maintaining adequate soil moisture is crucial for optimal propagation results.

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Images of Deertongue grass

Attributes of Deertongue grass

Distribution of Deertongue grass

Culture

Weed Control

Care Guide for Deertongue grass

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